Ten things we've learned about the Rugby Classic

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10: 1. The Pumas take no prisoners.

Argentina piled into countless tackles and rucks in their opening clash with the Springboks with a total disregard for their wellbeing.

And when it looked like they had run out of steam they just kept putting their body on the line.

Theirs was a display of passion and commitment against the sporting odds rarely seen at the Rugby Classic. If they can rouse their bruised bodies for Friday then who knows, they could go all the way.

2. Many hands make light work.

It was nothing short of minor miracle that this year's Rugby Classic was able to get underway this week.

Torrential rain and gale force winds had flattened the tent complex over the weekend and thrown the schedule into chaos.

But thanks to a huge effort by volunteers, players and organisers, a week's work was completed in just a day and the gates opened at 5:30pm on Tuesday.

3. It will take more than a little wind and rain to derail the Classic.

Despite the bleakest of forecasts the opening rounds of matches were played under clear skies.

Sure the players had to contend with a fierce wind that swept across the National Sports Centre and often left them looking foolish under the high ball.

But rugby is supposed to be a game for 'men' so a little wind and rain is par for the course - and according to the forecast we are set to get plenty over the next few days.

4. The Haka divides rugby fans.

The sight of the black-shirted ones in crouch-like pose evokes all sorts of rumblings and grumblings from a rugby crowd.

To some it gives the All Blacks an unfair advantage and as France found out at the World Cup if you dare challenge it you will be slapped a hefty fine.

While others love the drama and the history of the Maori war dance.

Whatever side of the fence you sit it's always a spectacle and a talking point.

5. There's nothing like a good sing-song.

The All Blacks may have the Haka, but the other teams at this year's Classic have not been adverse to a bit of vocalizing.

The US Eagles gathered together for an impromptu rendition of their anthem before their clash with the Kiwis. Although it did little to help their cause as they went down 39-0.

While the Argentineans celebrated their surprise win over the South Africans with a rousing chant in the middle of the pitch.

6. Everyone loves an underdog.

Wednesday was a great night for the underdog and the partisan crowd at the National Sports Centre lapped it up.

First the Argentineans tackled the Springboks into submission, then the Canadians pulled off the shock of the tournament by dumping the Aussies out of the competition.

It was exactly what the tournament needed after two one-sided encounters on the Tuesday and showed that the so-called minnows could more than mix it with the big boys.

7. One try and a good kick is all you need to upset the odds.

The Pumas proved in their first match against the Springboks that you don't need a bag full of tries to advance.

An early Lucio Lopez try after 10 minutes quickly followed by a fantastic conversion by Frederico Todeschini was enough to condemn the Proteas.

Todeschini's kick proved the winning margin in the end after the South Africans failed to convert their solitary try and proved you don't need to score big to beat the best.

8.  There's nothing like an honest commentator.

Commentator George Hook has been giving the Classic crowd an education in brutal truth.

It's even better as the players whose faults he highlights can hear exactly what he is saying.

“That was an awful kick" and "they butchered that chance" have been among the many truths to come from the box.

But Hook's enthusiasm and excitement is as infectious as it is funny.

9. The Lions are here to score tries.

Racking up 13 tries in the first game was a dream start for the men in pink.

They have come this year with a set of backs brimming with pace and power.

Ben Breeze and Hal Luscombe picked up three tries apiece in the rout over Italy as the Lions cut loose from their own half.

The loss of Josh Lewsey with a rib injury is a blow but the Lions have try-scoring potential in abundance.

10. The hits are getting bigger.

It's lucky there are rolling subs at the Classic given the number of crunching tackles that have been put in during the opening games.

At one stage in the Argentina Springbok game the pitch was littered with injured players hobbling back to their feet to make the next tackle.