Just as was forecast from the outset New Zealand will face Barbarians today (3.45 p.m.) in a battle of rugby giants for the right to call themselves Classic kings.

The week long World Rugby Classic reaches a crescendo after seven days of often enthralling, sometimes comedic, but always entertaining action at the National Sports Club -- Bermuda's mecca for rugby.

Once again the All Blacks enter the final favoured to lift the crown that they have made virtually their own since entering the show in 1989, winning five of six finals.

Their only loss came in 1993 when Barbarians scored a 10-5 upset, one which the All Blacks rectified a year ago, thrashing the Scottish, Welsh and Irish concoction 30-0.

However, All Blacks player/manager Andy Haden yesterday said he was not expecting today's match to bear much resemblance to 1994, with the Barbarians appearing much stronger this time around and having youth on their side.

"I think it will be a very close match,'' said Haden, whose side will be missing an important cog, with starting hooker Bruce Hemara expected to be sidelined nursing a shoulder injury.

"If you look back at the matches before last year there were only a few points in it and it is those five matches that can give more of a pointer than last year.

"I expect a close tussle with a young side. They'll be quicker than us and also probably get more ball, with the key for us being knowing what to do with the ball when we have it.'' Haden was wary of Barbarians ability to score tries from anywhere on the pitch, especially with speedsters Paul Turner and Glenn Webbe in the line-up and said it was crucial that they not allow their opponents too much room to work.

And just as he and his All Blacks team-mates have traditionally eschewed kicking the ball and do not even attempt penalties or conversions, the big lock was hopeful that Barbarians would keep the ball on the ground.

"I hope for a good match and look forward to seeing the Barbarians running the ball rather than kicking it and hope they'll agree to running the ball as opposed to kicking along the touch-line and then kicking it in,'' he said.

To the All Blacks advantage they will have had two days rest as opposed to Barbarians' one -- two days which Haden emphasised as being "desperately needed''.

Meanwhile, Barbarians have plans of their own for the contest, with the last thrashing not yet erased from memory.

Barbarians manager Willie John McBride was keeping his cards close to his chest when interviewed following his side's 12-10 defeat of South Africa on Thursday night.

"That's going to be another tough one like last year, we'll have few drinks, relax and rest for the next one,'' he said, a large grin reaching across his face. "They had a tough game (Wednesday) night and we had a tough game (last) night, so it's going to be a tough game Saturday again and I think it's going to be the team that comes in freshest that'll come through.'' Today's match will be preceded by the Plate final featuring Argentina and Canada (12.30 p.m.), mini and junior rugby (1.45 p.m.) and the third place play-off between South Africa and England (2.15 p.m.).

ANDY HADEN -- expects a close, tough match between New Zealand and Barbarians this afternoon.