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World Rugby Classic Organiser John Kane has tipped South Africa to retain their title in what promises to be an exciting tournament featuring younger, fitter and faster players than Classics past.

Many of the squads have strengthened their line-ups with players who are still competing at a very high level.

But Kane believes South Africa are still the strongest.

"They are obviously a very strong side with some very recent internationals, some of whom should probably still be playing for South Africa.

"New Zealand have brought a lot of Maori players, the French and the Lions also look good.

"There are four teams that look really strong this year.

"Teams like Canada and the U.S. are a bit more of an unknown quantity because we don't have the same kind of information on their players."

Though others may have strengthened, so have the Springboks.

And Kane can't see anyone deposing the defending champs.

He thinks it will be an exciting tournament with wingers coming to the fore and the pacy Springboks dominating in wide areas.

One to watch

"There's a guy on the South African team - Jan Harm van Wyk - he was the top try scorer the year before last and he will be one to watch again. He'll probably be pushed all the way by their other winger Breyton Paulse.

"He was playing for South Africa until very recently but unfortunately for him they found someone even faster."

Former South Africa flanker Bobby Skinstad, who played Super 14 rugby last season, is another strong player in that South African side and along with outhalf Braam van Straaten and centre Robbie Fleck forms the nucleus of the favourites' squad.

"I think you're going to see a lot of wing play. You're looking at one of the best backlines to come to the tournament in 15 years. They've got huge speed and I think they are going to use it."

Outside of the Springboks, France also look strong with the inclusion of prop forward Christian Califano, who was capped 72 times for France, his latest appearance coming as recently as last summer.

Fellow prop forward Franck Tournaire, also capped 49 times, helps give the French a strong pack, while centre Thomas Lombard adds some flair in the back line.

France

"France look interesting, but the French are the French," said Kane.

"They've got a couple of very quick players in Aubin Hueber and Thomas Lombard but it depends which team shows up on the day."

Kane said the make-up of the squads had changed quite dramatically from last year.

"New Zealand could be stronger than in previous seasons. Andy Hayden is coming here to win.

"They've got Scot Robinson who has been capped 23 times for the all blacks, Deon Muir who was capped 30 times by the Maoris. It's quite a strong side and they are going to be more competitive than they have been in the past."

Hayden reiterated those sentiments adding: "We would like to defend our golf title and have a win at the rugby after a lean run this century!

"That's what we have been saying for a few years but we are not expecting a 'Ground Hog Tournament'."

Wallabies

Australia have a handful of experienced player including hooker Jeremy Paul, capped 72 times by the Wallabies.

Prop Heamani Lavaka, who got 35 caps for Tonga, and Mark Giacheri, 49 for Italy, are the Aussies other experienced forwards.

The biggest challenge to South Africa, though, could come from the Lions.

Lions

Bolstered by a cadre of Irish stars the Lions side is packed with talent and experience.

Munster legend Anthony Foley the key player for one of Ireland's most successful rugby clubs for over a decade leads the challenge.

He holds the all-time record of 77 caps in the Heineken Cup - rugby's equivalent of the UEFA Champions League - and captained his club to glory in the 2006 tournament. He was also capped 62 times for Ireland.

Irish hooker Shane Byrne, who was capped 42 times for the Lions, Welsh hooker Barry Williams and Welsh winger Leigh Davies are the other most capped players.

"The Lions have upgraded their side quite substantially and should be a real threat."

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