John Kane, the World Rugby Classic president, doesn’t like making predictions, and for good reason.

So bad is Kane’s track record of tipping a winner he now refuses to do so, believing it will put the “kiss of death” on whichever team he chooses.

But if he was the break his recent stance of remaining tight-lipped, Kane admits he’d be hard-pressed to separate the eight teams competing in this year’s 25th anniversary Classic.

“I used to make predictions but I’ve stopped all that because it’s like the kiss of death,” he said.

“All the teams look to be pretty good this year.

“They’re all pretty equal and I don’t imagine there will be any one-sided games.

“If the weather behaves I believe it will be one of the better Classics, certainly one of the most competitive.”

Back to defend their crown are the Classic Wallabies who claimed their maiden title last year, defeating South Africa 15-5.

In the absence of Rugby League legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler, this year’s Wallabies might not quite boast the same glamour as 12 months ago, but the likes Andrew Walker — the first high profile dual code international — and Brett Finch should provide plenty of sparkle.

Last year’s runners-up South Africa have once again named a star-studded squad, including their country’s highest points scorer Percy Montgomery and Classic debutant Victor Matfield, their most capped international.

The Classic Lions and France are also strong in well-knowns, with recently retired centre Yannick Jauzion the main attraction for Les Bleus, while Colin Charvis (Wales), Jon Petrie (Scotland) and David Corkery (Ireland) should ensure Lions have a formidable forward pack.

“Obviously the Lions, South Africa and Australia will be strong,” added Kane, “but I don’t think any of the teams will be pushovers.

“They’ll be some good stars on show with Victor Matfield, Yannick Jauzion, Federico Todeschini — people like that.

“Matfield is certainly a big name, then there’s the little wizard Todeschini from Argentina who almost single-handedly beat England a few years ago.

“And then you have France’s Jauzion, one of the best centres in Europe over the last ten years.”

Making only their second appearance at last year’s Classic, Italy were brushed aside by both South Africa and Canada but should be far stronger this time around, according to Kane.

“I think the Italians didn’t know what the Classic was all about last year and should have a much stronger team this year.

“I really think they could be an interesting team to watch.”

The tournament gets underway tomorrow with Argentina locking horns with Canada in the opening game at 7.15pm. Classic Lions play Italy in the second match that evening at 8.30pm.

On Thursday, the Bermuda national team take on visiting Lloyds RFC from London at 6pm. All games will be played at the North Field.

Visit www.worldrugby.bm for more details.