clash in the World Rugby Classic.

The Classic Lions take on the USA at 2.00 p.m. on Monday and although they are notoriously slow starters, their manager is predicting they will be there at the end when others have fallen by the wayside.

Allan Martin said his team were packed with players who on their day could make life very difficult for their opponents.

Asked how he thought the team would fare, he said: "We are always positive -- we will win the Millennium Classic. All the Classic Lions are good players and all are capable of winning a game.'' The squad features nine British Lions from the rugby union code and three from rugby league and includes 24 internationals.

Among their star players are speedy wing Nigel Heslop, full back Kenny Murphy, another gifted runner, centre Graham Steadman and scrum half Jonathan Griffiths.

In addition there is also Mike Teague, a powerful number eight and Wade Dooley, an athletic lock forward.

Martin said the Lions looked forward to the event with relish.

"The Bermuda World Rugby Classic is now a recognised event in the world rugby calendar,'' he said.

"All the teams have good players and the tournament is becoming more competitive every year.'' While the Lions side have yet to play together as a team, Martin said that shouldn't matter too much when they take to the field and declared: "Watch out for our secret weapon!'' Meanwhile the Springboks of South Africa will be aiming to bring their flair game to the event.

Manager Carel du Plessis' side take on the Canadians on Monday afternoon and he promised they would do their best to make it an exciting contest.

"We will try to play expansive rugby and score some tries and avoid the `boot' as far as possible,'' he said.

Plessis said while not taking anything for granted his side aimed to make it to the final. Among the stars on show will be scrum-half Garth Wright and flankers Uli Schmidt and Richard Britton.

"The team is determined to perform well,'' he said. "But we also aim to have a fun time and enjoy the hospitality and meet new friends.'' New Zealand team member, Andy Haden is determined to bring an element of fun to the tournament.

"The players all look forward to it. It's excellent,'' he said. "We are good in the golf and average at rugby.

"All of our team members have the same role. We have no captain, no coach and no manager -- probably because we are uncoachable and unmanageable.'' Two new additions to look out for are Jim Coe and John Schuster and Haden promised some traditional All Black rugby when the team turn out for their opener against the combined Spanish and Portuguese side.