teams arriving in Bermuda yesterday for tomorrow's start of the World Rugby Classic at National Sports Club.

"Players have started to come in from New Zealand, Australia and England and more will arrive today,'' said an enthusiastic John Kane, organiser of the event.

Convincing 12-4 winners over England in last year's final, the All Blacks will be chasing after an unprecedented fourth title and odds of them accomplishing this has the pendulum swinging heavily in their direction.

However, as the players arrived for the big event, local officials were more excited about the continued success of the event -- anxious to show the world that little Bermuda can be giant hosts to teams that will include some of the great names of yesteryear.

Although hopes to extend an invitation to South Africa did not materialise, the Classic will still feature some formidable teams from several countries -- including one from Europe, which will feature internationals from Portugal, Spain, Italy and Holland. Among the other countries entered in the Classic are Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Kane said that a lot of hard work has gone into the preparation of the ground and facilities at National Sports Club and that everything was all set to stage the event once again.

Like everybody else Kane is tipping the defending champions the All Blacks to capture the title once again, claiming that they remain a class above everyone else both in ability and experience. He added: "Despite what they say of this being a fun tournament, they like to win and they are back here to win this tournament once again.'' Heading the champions will be veteran Andy Haden who has had 41 caps, Joe Stanley and Bill Osborne while last year's losing finalists, England, will feature such outstanding internationals as captain Steve Smith, Paul Ackford, Huw Davies and Paul Rendall.

Bermuda have been reinforced by the addition of guest players from Argentina and Canada and the local team will face a tough opener when they take on England in the opening game at 6.30 p.m. There will be four Canadians and three Argentinians in the Bermuda line-up, players who have combined to represent their respective countries on 160 occasions.

"We anticipate this to be quite an opener for the Classic,'' said Kane.

"Most of the invited players have only just recently retired from international rugby and will undoubtedly bring a lot of ability and experience into the Bermuda team.'' The second game tomorrow will have Europe taking on New Zealand at 8 p.m.

FLASHBACK -- Action from last year's World Rugby Classic final, which New Zealand won 12-4 over England.