The World Rugby Classic is now into its 19th year ? but the popular golden oldies tournament shows no sign of slowing down as the opening two matches are set to kick off tomorrow at the National Sports Centre.

While the real focus of the week remains off the pitch in the hospitality tents and at the street parties, the quality and competitiveness of the rugby has improved in recent years also ? with defending champions South Africa now looking to become the only team in the Classic?s history to win three titles in a row.

This year?s event did not get off to the best of starts when one of the star names due to take part ? former Australian prop Tony Daly ? was arrested en route at Los Angeles airport for allegedly stealing a wallet.

And when Daly was found not to be the culprit, an old traffic offence was deemed reason enough for the FBI to put him on the next plane back to Sydney.

But apart from that unfortunate incident, everything else has passed off smoothly, with Classic organiser John Kane indicating this week that advanced ticket sales were going well and that they had sold over 2,500 more corporate hospitality tickets than they had three years ago.

The first game on Sunday sees Argentina take on the might of New Zealand at 2.p.m. followed by a clash between the Classic Lions and France which gets underway at 3.30 p.m.

General admission at the North Field is $25, while a five-day pass can be bought for $100. For further rates call 298-6633.? Australia v Canada (7 p.m.), South Africa v USA (8.30 p.m.), ? Semi-finals (from 7 p.m.) ? Semi-finals (from 7p.m.) ? Bermuda v TBA (5 p.m.), Plate and Classic final (from 6.15 p.m.)