in Bermuda this weekend for the start of the tenth World Rugby Classic.

The All Blacks squad, hoping to claim the title for the fifth time in six attempts, and Canada, flew in last night, with the US, who open the tournament against the New Zealand holders tomorrow afternoon, Uruguay and Argentina expected today. The Classic Lions are due on the Island tomorrow.

Chief organiser John Kane said: "We've ordered some rain for today to freshen up the pitch and a sunny afternoon for tomorrow.'' Wayne Shelford, the New Zealand former captain with 22 caps for his country, is the only newcomer to the all-conquering Classic All Blacks' side, who are expected to win again but may be pushed all the way by South Africa, considered by Bermuda coach Peter Shillingford as desperate to wrest the title from their Antipodean rivals.

Other experienced performers once more in the Kiwis' ranks are lock Andy Hayden, who received 41 caps, prop Steve McDowell (46), and wing Terry Wright (30). Flanker Rob Louw, of Western Province, and Helgard Muller, of Orange Free State, are South Africa's most-capped representatives, with 18 appearances each.

New Zealand narrowly defeated South Africa in the final of the first Far East Classic, hosted in May by Japan, whose late withdrawal allowed Uruguay, something of an unknown quantity, to step in.

But Kane reckons the Lions, shorn of most of their English professionals who were denied permission to attend by their clubs, could be the surprise package. Managed by Willie John McBride, who played 17 times for the British Lions and 63 times for Ireland, they can at least call on Great Britain rugby league star David Lyons, who will play centre, and the thrice-capped English lock Steve Boyle.

Bermuda compete in their own right this time after last year combining with France, expected to return in 1998 for the tenth anniversary of the first tournament. And they're up against the toughest from the outset, opening proceedings on Tuesday's Remembrance Day holiday against South Africa.

Kane, meanwhile, is expecting the six-day tournament to prove the most successful yet with new sponsors on board and demand for corporate hospitality packages and from overseas travel agents exceeding that of previous years.