promise to have a little extra edge to them.

Argentina take on the Classic Lions in the main final in what promises to be a bruising but entertaining encounter, South Africa look for revenge in a repeat of last year's semi-final against New Zealand in the play-off for third place and Bermuda hope to show the USA, their World Cup conquerors of four years ago, that the game on the Island is on the up.

Lions' skipper Jonathan Griffiths denied he would have preferred this final to one against the All Blacks, the seven-time winners beaten by the Pumas in a controversial semi-final. He said: "Obviously they've got to be a good side to beat New Zealand because the All Blacks are very well organised,'' The key to victory could be to upset their rhythm of their game, he added.

"I think Argentina are a bit younger and fitter than most of us out here.

They'll play a very fast game, so it's up to us to play at our pace.'' And he dismissed suggestions that his side might be intimidated by their physical approach.

"The chaps over here put it in,'' he said. "It's not easy rugby by any means. A lot of them are world class players and there's a lot of pride at stake.'' Meanwhile, in the Plate, Bermuda look to go one better than last year, when in a team combined with France they lost to Argentina, and in 1992 when they went down 41-33 to Ireland and Scotland.

For captain Alvin Harvey the tie against the USA is something of a revenge mission.

"Four years ago we had the dubious task of playing the US in our first ever World Cup game so for some of us who played in that game it would sweet revenge if we can take one from them on Saturday,'' he said. " And it would be a great boost for Bermuda rugby as a whole because some of us have been slugging away at this for years, we're coming to the end of our tenure and for the younger players coming through it would be something to build on.'' However, he knows it will be difficult: The US were in awesome form against Canada and hope that they will be fortified by the return to their back row of Pat Bolger.

The All Blacks will be playing for pride against the side they beat 25-15 in last year's semi-final. And however upset they were by Argentina's decision to kick a penalty against them on Wednesday, they're unlikely to change a philosophy of running rugby which has served them well over the years.