With the dust having only just settled on the 2007 Rugby World Cup, aniticipation is building for Bermuda's own celebration of the sport, The World Rugby Classic.

Some of the most esteemed names in international rugby will once again grace the National Sports Centre at the Classic, now in its 20th year, which starts this weekend.

This year's scrum-fest features players from 16 countries who will play in ten international matches between November 4 and 10.

Headlining the list of stars is Joost van der Westhuizen, with 89 matches for South Africa, who will form a formidable halfback partnership with Braam van Stratten, 21 caps, and Robbie Fleck, 31 caps.

Argentina, one of the surprise packages of the World Cup, provide a team with the most caps led by lock Pedro Sporleder who played 78 times, while Diego Cuesta Silva amassed 65 caps.

Classic organiser John Kane has predicted South Africa will follow on from their World Cup success and take the Classic trophy.

"In the wake of the Rugby World Cup, the sport is very much in the spotlight and I fancy South Africa to do the double. In Joost ven der Westhuizen, Braam van Stratten and Robbie Fleck they have a potent attacking threesome.

"Australia would appear to be planning an attacking game as many of their players gained their caps at sevens rugby and have boosted their squad with Mark Giacheri, who played for Italy and Heamani Levaka, who turned out for Tonga.

"But the Classic Lions should also be strong and they have added Scottish centre Jim McLaren and Irish flanker Andy Ward to their squad."

The most capped player in the tournament will be Donna Kennedy of the Classic Lionesses with 100 appearances for her country, Scotland. The Lionesses take on the Canadian Ladies in an exhibition on Finals Day.

The opening game will see Australia take on Argentina at 2 p.m. on Sunday, while France face New Zealand at 3.45 p.m.

Canada play South Africa at 7 p.m the following day, and Classic Lions meet United States at 8.30 p.m.

The semi-finals will be staged next Wednesday and Thursday, before the Classic Final on Saturday November 10 at 8 p.m.