inaugural excursion last year, and with the full backing of the South African Rugby Football Union (SARFU).

Success in the 1995 World Cup and the contribution made by the previously diverse elements of South African rugby to that success has meant a greater awareness by the Union of the part the older players had in keeping the game vibrant during the years in the wilderness.

The World Rugby Classic is looked upon, by the South African Union, as the means of thanking those players.

Edward Griffiths, Chief Executive of SARFU, said recently: "In our haste to establish a new kind of South African rugby, SAFRU is also mindful of healing old wounds.

"We should not be so preoccupied with the future, that we forget about the past. Now the World Rugby Classic in Bermuda materialises as a perfect vehicle to right a few wrongs.

"The South African team competing in this year's tournament is drawn from both sides of the old divide, including former Springboks from both SARU and SARB ranks. These players could never have played together in their prime.

That is sad. But they are now. That is fantastic.'' South Africa, bolstered with a number of new faces, are anxious to add to the success story of South African rugby by winning the `seniors World Cup'.

They are seeded in the opposite side of the draw to New Zealand, the holders, and a repeat of pairings in this year's World Cup final would be most welcome.

This year the 22-man squad will be made up of players, all of whom have played for their country and spearheaded by Danie Gerber, one of the country's most exciting and talented players.

Gerber first played for South Africa in South America in 1980 and gained his 24th and final cap against England in 1992. Considered to be one of the finest centres in the modern game he was always a primary choice for World XV matches.

With players the calibre of Irvin October (seven caps), Carel Du Plessis (eight), Divan Serfontein (19), Michel Du Plessis (eight) and Willie Kahts (11) in the squad, South Africa could prove to be quite strong competitors in this year's Classic.

Squad: Hugh Reece-Edwards (fullback, Natal), Irven October (fullback, Western Province), Zola Yeye (wing, Eastern Province), Carel du Plessis (wing, Western Province), Danie Gerber (centre, Eastern Province), Avril Williams (centre, Western Province), John Villet (centre, Western Province), Michel Du Plessis (outhalf, Western Province), Divan Serfontein (scrumhalf, Western Province), Ronnie Korkee (scrumhalf, Eastern Province), Henrich Rogers (prop, Northern Transvaal), Faiek Hendricks (prop, Western Province), Charles Kleinbooi (hooker, Eastern Province), Willie Kahts (hooker, Northern Transvaal); Teddy Kondile (lock, Border), Hennie Bekker (lock, Western Province), Rudie Visagie (lock, Lowveld), Archie Mkele (flanker, Eastern Province), Ygya Sakier (flanker, Natal), Eben Jansen (flanker, Boland); Burger Geldenhuys (flanker, Northern Transvaal); Nick Mallet (no. 8, Western Province).

Manager -- Daniel (Cheeky) Watson (Eastern Province).

One of Bermuda's annual sporting highlights, the World Rugby Classic, gets underway at National Sports Club this Sunday. In the first of a series of articles, John Kane today takes a look at two of the strongest sides, South Africa and New Zealand.