Two from the southern hemisphere make their first appearances in the World Rugby Classic at National Sports Club tonight.

Canada, last year's whipping boys, have the even more daunting prospect of facing a New Zealand side, winners of the competition seven times and smarting from a semi-final defeat by Argentina 12 months ago.

Bermuda, while not realistically expecting to beat their opponents, will be hoping to improve on a 46-7 defeat at the hands of the Springboks at the same stage of the competition last year.

Coach Peter Shillingford is hopeful that any feelings of inferiority will have been jettisoned by the team's encouraging performances in the Caribbean Championships in the Bahamas, which they won.

South Africa are, of course, a completely different proposition from the likes of Jamaica and Trinidad, but Shillingford has been at pains to point out that his team must not treat them with too much respect.

Bermuda will also be hoping for some better luck: last year they suffered an early blow in the corresponding encounter when number eight Bobby Hurdle broke his collarbone making a try-saving tackle while the match was still scoreless.

They may also take some comfort from the fact that wings Hugo Van As and Deon Oosthuizen, scorers between them of half of South Africa's eight tries, are not returning. Their places are filled by Western Province's Carel Du Plessis, who has 12 international caps, and Wilfred Cupido.

Last year's captain Jannie Breedt is also absent, leaving flanker Rob Louw, capped 18 times, as the most experienced player in a squad of 21 which numbers only 11 internationals.

From Canada's point of view, one piece of encouraging news is that the All Blacks have been forced to make significant changes from last year's squad -- two of which will add to the international flavour of the tournament.

Western Samoan lock Mark Birtwhistle -- 18 caps to his name -- and Fijian wing Jimmy Damu are among the new faces, while regular skipper Andy Hayden is absent due to work commitments and Brett Wilson, injured in an horrific motorcycle crash on the Island last year, is unable to return.

Prop Steve McDowell is the All Blacks' most experienced campaigner with 46 appearances for his country.

With all the changes it will be interesting to see if they maintain their commitment to running rugby. Last year, Hayden could barely conceal his disappointment after his side, who chose not to kick any points, were sent packing by a late Argentina penalty in the semis.