Still smarting from Argentina’s shock World Rugby Classic win, South Africa and the Classic Lions have announced squads bursting at the seams with talent and intent for this year’s tournament.Percy Montgomery and Bobby Skinstad are just two of the standout names in a Springboks side that boasts a wealth of international experience, and will fancy their chances of winning a first title since 2007.The Lions, meanwhile, can once again call upon the services of Josh Lewsey, whose tournament was cut short last year by injury, and also have the likes of John Hayes, Mark Taylor and Malcom O’Kelly in their ranks.Beaten finalists last time out, the Lions have named a squad that looks to have only one thing in mind, to erase the memories of a shock defeat that led manager Allan Martin to say afterwards that his below par side ‘didn’t want it as much’ as the Pumas.Alongside the likes of Hayes, who was capped 105 times by Ireland, the Lions have also included Hal Luscombe, Daffyd James, Shane Byrne and David Corkery.Much is likely to rest on Lewsey’s inclusion, however, especially as the lack of a genuine threat out wide ultimately cost the Lions in last year’s final.As an attacking threat the Springboks have always been among the best and the enigmatic Montgomery will certainly give them an extra dimension this time out.His country’s highest point scorer with 893, the fullback was capped 102 times in a stella international career that culminated in a World Cup winners’ medal in 2007.While the Lions and Springboks are undoubtedly the favourites in a year that sees the All Blacks miss out, the Italians and returning French also appear to be preparing to name strong squads.Alessandro Troncon, who was capped 101 times by his country at scrum half, will captain an Italian team that is expected to include the likes of Andrea Masi, the centre who signed for London Wasps earlier this week, and former Italian captain, Marco Bortolami, the lock.France have yet to name any players but they have announced that they will be led by Serge Betsen, who played 63 times for his countryBetsen’s first test will be to lead his side against the defending champions, Argentina, in the opening game of this year’s tournament on Saturday, November 10. South Africa play the second game that evening against last year’s beaten Plate finalists, USA.The Lions, meanwhile, open their tournament against Canada on the Monday night with Australia and Italy the last game in the first round of matches that same evening.The World Rugby Classic runs from November 10 to 17, see www.worldrugby.bm for details.