The annual World Rugby Classic kicks off today with a double-header at the North Field of the National Sports Centre (NSC).

Argentina and Canada will get the ball rolling when they lock horns in the tournament’s opening contest (7:15pm) while Classic Lions and Italy will then do battle in the second clash (8:30pm).

The eventual winners will advance to the Classic semi-finals while the losers will feature in the Plate semi-finals.

Champions Australia will open their title defence on Monday when they take on USA.

Today’s contest between Argentina and Canada is a repeat of the 2011 match which saw the Pumas prevail and go on to capture a first Classic title in more than a decade.

The Pumas have returned this year with a line-up that includes seasoned warriors Carlos Fernandez Lobbe and Rimas Alvarez Kairelis who combined have earned more than one hundred caps for their country.

Argentina, who are gunning for a third title this year, will be favoured to get past a Canada side that lost to France in last year’s Plate final,

The Pumas bowed out of last year’s tournament after losing 7-17 against South Africa in the semi-finals.

The Classic Springboks were denied a fifth World Rugby Classic title after losing 5-15 against the Classic Wallabies in the final.

Lions have returned with a team laden with international experience.

In formidable trio Colin Charvis, Jon Petrie and David Corkery, who boast a staggering 166 caps between them, the past champions possess a potent offence.

Lions’ team also boasts Rugby League legend Shaun Long, regarded as one of the finest scrum-halves of his generation, and ex-Wales centre Sonny Parker.

Italy endured a baptism of fire during their tournament debut last year, losing to Australia and Canada in their two outings.

Lions will go into today’s clash as overwhelming favourites to advance to the semis.

Next Thursday will see Bermuda’s national team take on visiting Lloyds RFC from London (6pm) at the NSC.