Bermuda look to put the disappointment of their World Rugby Classic opener behind them when they take on the USA tonight in the Plate semi-final (7 p.m.).

The home side crashed to an expected 30-10 defeat at the hands of the New Zealand All Blacks on Sunday at National Sports Centre.

However, Bermuda put up a better showing than the scoreline suggests and in captain Bobby Hurdle they scored probably the try of the game.

Hurdle, who will head to the Cayman Islands at the weekend when Bermuda take part in the Caribbean Championships, ran from well inside the All Blacks' half, outpaced the last man and ran in under the posts.

New Zealand legend Andy Haden paid tribute to the Bermudians after the game saying: "They're not without a bit of organisation - and they've got the nucleus pretty right as they prepare their team for the World Cup qualifiers."

They should stand a better chance of victory tonight against a USA side who were crushed 39-12 by the reigning champions from South Africa.

The Americans ran out on Sunday wearing stars and stripes shirts in honour of those who died in the September 11 atrocities and they should have plenty of support in tonight's crowd as they look to banish the memory of their own opening loss.

Team captain Frank Kennedy said shortly after the terrorist attacks occurred the decision was made to redesign the team kit.

"A lot of these guys, Kevin Swords and others, are from the New York area and have friends that were killed," he explained.

"You've just got to do what you can and right after it happened (team manager) Jeff Lombard called and said 'we have to get flag shirts'."

Bermuda will be without Henry Adderley who had to be helped off the field at the weekend after suffering a leg injury trying in vain to prevent an All Black try.

The main feature of the evening, the Classic semi-final featuring New Zealand against South Africa (8.30 p.m.), promises to be a mouthwatering affair.

New Zealand were tipped by Classic president John Kane at the start of the event as favourites, but South Africa will not want to relinquish their grip on the title without a fight.

Tomorrow's matches pit Portugal/Spain against Canada (7.00 p.m.) and Argentina against the Classic Lions (8.30 p.m.)