Bermuda's national rugby squad headed for Nassau, Bahamas yesterday morning with clear designs on returning victorious from Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

Olsen returned from Australia a week ago and was able to get in some training with the squad prior to departure, while the multi-talented Hurdle is due to fly direct from Canada to the Bahamas.

Up until recently Hurdle had been occupying a spot on the basketball court for St.Mary's University, as they made a failed bid for the CIAU Basketball Championship.

However, the school's loss proved Bermuda's gain, with Hurdle set to take up a spot among the second row, while the speedy Olsen lines up on the wing.

"He'll (Hurdle) get three sessions with the squad before the game but he is a good athlete and will fit in fine,'' said coach Kieron Peacock, who is set to relinquish the reins as coach later this year.

Still, the news has not been all good for Bermuda, making their second appearance in the competition, as injuries have forced some tinkering with the line-up.

One left on the sidelines is fly-half Phil Heaney, the Island's lone point scorer in the competition, having booted a penalty against the United States Eagles four years ago during a 60-3 massacre by the Americans.

Heaney recently had hernia surgery and his slot in the starting line-up has been awarded to Ross Webber.

Meanwhile, also out are back-line reserves Gavin Corcoran and Nathan Browne, their replacement being Keith Hodgkins.

Not unduly worried was Peacock, who leaned on the theory that if the team played hard and to their capabilities they would reap the benefit. He added that those recently seen as nursing injuries were now fully fit and ready for action.

"If we play well, they will find us very difficult to beat,'' he said.

"Things have been coming together in training. We've had about four weeks together and attendance has been very good. Now the side is dead keen to just play.'' The Bahamian outfit, however, are not to be taken lightly, Bermuda having needed a late try by skipper Alvin Harvey to ensure victory during the semi-finals of the Caribbean Championships in Barbados last October.

Recalling the match Peacock noted how Bermuda came out flat, while Bahamas, with their powerful front line entered with guns blazing.

This time the coach is looking for the opposite, with Bermuda making the early charge and dictating affairs, with the forwards setting the table for the backs, which he viewed as the superior of the two sides.

"It was the second game of the tournament and we were very flat. They gave us problems up front because they were big, strong and aggressive.

"We're going to play the game up front and take them on short and around the base of the scrum and try to physically wear them down.'' A second opponent could be the heat, with temperatures expected in the mid to upper 80s, while a partisan home crowd will also be to the advantage of Bahamas.

The match starts at 3.00 p.m. Bermuda time, with the team slated to return on Monday.

Bermuda squad: Dave Lunn, Danny Forsythe, Steve Given, Dennis Cherry, Bobby Hurdle, Patrick Cooper, Sean Field, Dave Bird, Gareth Davies, Ross Webber, Scott Correia, Mike Gorrie, Heath Robinson, Daniel Olsen, Michael Montgomery, Tim White, Ashley Redmond, Noel Capewell, Andrew Correia, Alvin Harvey and Keith Hodgkins.

BOBBY HURDLE -- University's loss is Bermuda rugby squad's gain.