the Classic Lions in this afternoon's World Rugby Classic semi-final at Nationals.

The Pumas, winners of the third place play-off last November, have succumbed to the strength of the Lions in the last two years.

In 1997, they were beaten 35-10 after ousting the All Blacks in controversial fashion in the semi-finals and 12 months ago, in a much more closely contested semi-final, they lost 19-12.

The Lions, meanwhile, are looking to win their third successive Classic, a feat they have not achieved before.

In fact, either the Lions or the All Blacks, who take on Canada in tomorrow's other semi-final, have won the title since Wales beat England in the inaugural tournament in 1988.

Argentina have been the only side other than the two dominant teams to appear in a final in the last six years and will be hoping to repeat that.

Both teams had convincing victories in the first round -- the Lions trouncing Bermuda 47-8 and Argentina opening a 26-0 lead against South Africa before the Springboks salvaged some pride with three tries in the last ten minutes.

Argentina served notice of their flair for running rugby on Wednesday night and the outcome of today's game could depend much on how the more experienced Lions handle that approach.

They have the players to keep the match tight, frustrate their opponents and punish any mistakes they make.

Canada have proved to be the surprise package of the tournament so far, a swashbuckling performance leaving the veterans of World Cup finalists France trailing in their wake.

The French capitulated 36-3 in a repeat of last year's Plate final which they lost 41-19.

Now Canada must take on the might of the All Blacks for the chance to meet either the Lions or Argentina in the final.

Neither team is taking anything for granted.

After watching the Canadians demolish France, New Zealand skipper Andy Haden admitted: "They are clearly a very good side and we're going to have to raise our game to beat them.'' Meanwhile Canada's big number eight, Ian Gordon, said: "I don't know whether we'll beat the All Blacks, but we've got to believe we can. If we go into the game with any other mindset, we'll get thrashed.'' Today's action begins at 2.00 p.m as Bermuda attempt to repeat last year's victory over South Africa for a place in the Plate final. The Lions take on Argentina at 3.30 p.m.

Tomorrow, France and the US will contest the Plate semi-final before the All Blacks and Canada clash. Pointers: UK rugby development officer makes some suggestions to members of the Bermuda squad for the Caribbean championships, from left Scott Correia, Brian Desmond, Tom Steinhoff, Freedom Burrows, Heath Robinson, Bobby Hurdle and Henry Adderley.

Pointers: UK rugby development officer makes some suggestions to members of the Bermuda squad for the Caribbean championships, from left Scott Correia, Brian Desmond, Tom Steinhoff, Freedom Burrows, Heath Robinson, Bobby Hurdle and Henry Adderley.

High fliers: Canada and France in line out action from Wednesday's first round match