wrc09.html The World Rugby Classic

The World Rugby Classic, which is staged annually in Bermuda is the one place that former Internationals can get together and relive some golden moments of their playing days and celebrate true friendships that the game has given them with fellow players that they can now share with in the remarkable camaraderie of Rugby Football, which by all accounts is so much more unique than most other sports. The tournament this year took place between the 5 to 14 November.

This hugely popular rugby tournament continues to grow and attract more legends of the game each year. The eLan SA Rugby Legends traveled across to join some of the true greats of the game including Willie John McBride the most capped British and Irish Lions player who represented Ireland on 63 occasions, Welsh legend JPR Williams, David Duckham from England, Colin Charvis of Wales and Mark Regan who was capped 43 times for England to name but a few.

They got their 2009 Rugby World Classic trophy hunt off to a good start when they crushed their Canadian counterparts 40 - 5, in Bermuda on Monday night.

Having landed only the day before, via London, the team, comprising former Springboks and first class South African rugby players, delighted the crowds with their impressive display and dominated the game at every turn.

The star studded line up included Robbie Fleck and Braam van Straaten, with Van Straaten reminding everyone that he still has magic in his boots.  Also playing was the centre paring of Trevor Halstead and Pieter Muller  along with the hard working Deon Kayser.

Van Straaten began the 7 try  rampage, which he converted, within minutes of the game  and was followed by Ryan Strudwick.

Always in fine form for the Legends, Deon Kayser went across the line twice, the second try courtesy of Robbie Fleck after he caught  a high ball, broke through 3 tackles to pass the ball on to his forward to secure and pass down the line for Kayser to glide across the try line.

 Mark Watson, former 7's Springbok,  dotted down twice in the second half with the final try coming from prop Frikkie du Plooy.

Canada's sole try came from an impressive individual effort by Dan Harlow.

The Rugby World Classic is in  it's 22 year and brings together former internationals who once more get to wear their country's jersey and play against old rivals.  The South Africans have won the trophy 4 times, the last in 2007.  They are tipped as favourites to win in 2009.  For more info, live match video streaming and results log on to www.worldrugby.bm.

Other results USA 0-36 Australia, Argentina 17-7 Canada, France 7-12 Lions, New Zealand 29-17 Argentina