aiming to cause an upset when they make their tournament debut on Sunday.

But to do that they will have to overcome stiff competition in the form of New Zealand.

The Iberian nations have joined together for the tournament and with a strong Portuguese contingent on the Island they will have no shortage of supporters.

Bruce Hemara, who has helped co-ordinate the team, said: "The team will be led by Alberto Malo from Spain, who captained the Spanish team at last year's World Cup in Wales.

"Alberto has 75 Test caps and has played rugby all over the globe, including a season in New Zealand.'' Hemara said the players couldn't wait to don their boots and pit their wits against some of the biggest names the sport has to offer.

"For the players in general the World Rugby Classic is a fantastic opportunity to see and meet their rugby idols,'' he said.

"The team is obviously unaware of the quality of the rugby that the Classic produces, but all have been told to prepare for the tournament as they would if they were playing at the highest level of their past.'' Hemara said getting the team assembled had been a test in itself.

"The logistics of putting the team together have also been an experience, especially for Alberto, who has shouldered the bulk of the responsibility for getting the team to the Classic,'' said Hemara, who added that many of the players would not have seen each other, never mind practised together, before they land on the Island.

"With the All Blacks as their first opponents it could be an uncomfortable initiation into the world of Classic Rugby for them,'' Hemara said.