Those teams competing at the World Rugby Classic can breathe a sigh of relief, safe in the knowledge that John Kane has refused to make any predictions.So bad is the Classic president's track record at tipping a winner, he believes to do so would be akin to “putting the kiss of death” on whichever side he picked.“The first thing the teams ask when they arrive is 'who did John pick as the winner.' I've become well known for giving whoever I pick the kiss of death,” said Kane.“Whoever I say wins always loses, so I prefer to leave it in the lap of the gods.”Back to defend their crown are the Classic Pumas, who pulled off an upset by defeating the Classic Lions in last year's final to claim their first title in more than a decade.Conspicuous by their absence meanwhile are the All Blacks, who until this year had been regular attendees since their debut in 1989.France fill the vacant spot after sitting out last year, and Italy return for their second appearance, alongside regulars USA, Canada, Classic Lions, South Africa, and Australia.Among the favourites will be South Africa who are strong in well knowns — with Percy Montgomery, Bobby Skinstad, Stefan Terblanche and De Wet Barry.England World Cup winner Josh Lewsey will once again be the star attraction for the Classic Lions while the recently retired Serge Betsen will skipper the French.Renowned for his tough tackling, Betsen is considered one of the finest flankers of the professional era, winning 63 caps for his country between 1997 and 2007. Adding extra sparkle to this year's Classic are rugby league legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler who have been named in Australia's squad.A television crew will be travelling with the Aussies such is the level of interest in Johns widely regarded as the best rugby league player of all time and Fittler, who is also considered one of his country's finest ever players.“There's great interest in the Australia team. They are sending a camera crew over because there's a couple of former rugby league players coming in,” added Kane.“We've got some great players coming in this year I'm delighted to say. We will have to see who gets off the plane but the South Africans should be pretty strong with Percy Montgomery while Serge Betson is coming in for his first time.”Kane, who yesterday dismissed rumours that this year would be the Classic's final hurrah, also revealed that the decision to plump for Australia ahead of New Zealand had been financially motivated.“We made the decision not (New Zealand); it was our decision,” said the Irishman.“We basically ended up having to pick between Australia and New Zealand, and we went with Australia because Australia had some very good sponsorship and had the support of the Australian Rugby Union — that's why we picked them.”The Rugby Classic kicks off on Saturday at the National Sports Centre with Argentina facing France at 7.30pm, and South Africa taking on USA at 8.45pm.