South Africa last year, believes the Island team is capable of more giant-killing in this year's event.

Bermuda will kick off the 1999 Classic at the National Sports Club on Wednesday, November 10, with a first-round clash against defending champions Classic Lions.

Captained by former British Lion and Scottish international Gavin Hastings, and packed with stars like Welshman Jonathan Davies and Englishmen Mike Teague and Wade Dooley, the Lions will present a formidable test for Bermuda.

Harvey, who plays centre for his club Teachers, said it was difficult not to be overawed when playing such illustrious opponents.

"We have to try not to be in awe of them, not to pay them too much respect,'' said Harvey.

"People like Gavin Hastings are stars of the game and we have looked up to them for many years and tried to emulate their play.'' But last year, they managed to concentrate sufficiently on their game to pull off a 13-5 victory over a powerful South Africa side, with Harvey scoring two tries. Harvey remembered the triumph fondly.

"It was a big occasion for all of us,'' said Harvey. "We couldn't believe we'd beaten South Africa -- even if it was only a Classic South Africa team.

"OK, we had the help of a few younger legs, but competing at that level and beating a team like that was a great thrill. We felt like heroes.'' The Bermuda team lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals last year, but gave a good account of themselves in a 15-5 defeat.

"We have a very tough task against the defending champions, but we have a good mix of experienced and young players and we are capable of winning.

Hopefully, we can go one better than last year,'' he added.

New Zealand, seven-time World Rugby Classic winners, will be keen to prevent the Classic Lions gaining a hat-trick of wins in this year's eight-nation tournament.

Andy Haden, the larger-than-life Kiwi captain, was unavailable last year but in his own words "is determined to bring the two rugby cups back to their rightful place'', giving more than hint that he intends to add the Classic to the anticipated victory for the All Blacks in the World Cup.

Haden will be relying on a blend of players from the last two years interspersed with some newer and younger players.

Joe Stanley (27 caps), Bernie McCahill (10), Kurt Sherlock (three), Terry Wright (30) and Kawhena Woodman (six) will provide plenty of running power in the New Zealand backline having all played in previous Classics.

Mark Moore, Mark Hoddle and Wayne Burleigh, who have all played at the highest level in New Zealand, are among the faces in the New Zealand camp while mercurial outhalf, John Boe will return to weave his usual magic.

In the forwards, former captain Buck Shelford (22 caps) returns after a year's absence alongwith Andy Earl (15 caps), Steve McDowell (46) and Bruce Hemera (three).

One interesting player making a return is Brett Wilson who was badly injured in a bike accident during the 1997 Classic.

Their opening game will be against the United States on November 11.

New Zealand: Steve McDowell (45 caps), Brett Wilson (8), Murry Davie (1), Ken Parry, Bruce Hemera (3), Jock Ross (5), Andy Haden (41), Gary Braid (2), Marty Brooke (1), Snow Cruden (NZ reserve), Bruce Middleton (NZ reserve), Andy Earl (15), Buck Shelford (22), Bryce Robins (4), John Doe (2), Alan Crowley (NZ sevens), Mark Moore (3), Kurt Sherlock (3), Lauchie Cameron (4), Joe Stanley (27), Wayne Burleigh (NZ reserve), Bernie McCahill (10), Terry Wright (30), Kawhena Woodman (6), Mark Hoddle (NZ reserve).

Entry fee per day is $15 with five day passes available at $50 from the Capital G offices on Reid Street.

No stopping him: Bermuda back Alvin Harvey (with the ball), here pictured in action for his club Teachers. Harvey hopes to relive past glories in next month's World Rugby Classic.