South African Rugby Legends Association 20th World Rugby Classic 2007 South Africa 31 – New Zealand 12 National Sports Centre, Frog Lane, Bermuda; 31 October – 12 November South Africa is cementing itself as the sporting capital of the World with yet another trophy in the respectable cabinet after the eLan Rugby Legends returned from Bermuda where they defeated a subdued All Blacks team in the final of the World Rugby Classic 2007.

This is an impressive fourth time this millennium that the World Rugby Classic trophy has made its way to our shores. And this year it is more victorious than ever as it is added to an already remarkable array of titles of the Super 14 and the Webb Ellis Trophy that each and every South African is so proud of.

eLan Rugby Legends coach Ian McIntosh, confessed his surprise at the ease his sparkling Legends dismantled the passive New Zealand side. "It turned out to be a comfortable victory, didn't it?" said McIntosh. "To be honest I was quite surprised by the ease of it. Considering it was the end of a long hard week I thought we played very well.”

The dismantling process started quite literally in the first few minutes with one of South Africa's burly forwards trading a flurry of fists with his opposite number as tempers boiled over.

Unfortunately for the Kiwis, the Springboks' fighting spirit extended from off-the-ball scuffling and it was no surprise when they took the lead towards the end of the first-period through Piet Joubert, with Braam Van Straaten converting.

South Africa's unrelenting pressure continued after the break with Brett Hennessey increasing their advantage with another converted try, and by the time inspirational skipper Johann Kapp burst through for a third, the All Blacks were pretty much dead and buried.

But the shell-shocked Kiwis did offer brief resistance and made the most of their numerical advantage when South Africa's Marc Watson was sin-binned, with Stephen Skinnon bundling over the line.

Allowing New Zealand to get off the mark seemed only to spur South Africa on with renewed vigour, scoring twice through Deon Kayser and Hennessey before Hayden Scown restored some pride for the All Blacks with a late consolation.

"They just played very well," admitted New Zealand coach and former stalwart Andy Haden. "They were better than us and that's all there is to it. The boys are disappointed with the way they played and South Africa looked sharper and more accurate than us."

The Springboks, who reigned supreme at last year's Rugby World Cup, had been tipped to win the Classic by organiser John Kane at the start of the 20th annual showpiece. Among the star-studded spectators were former England captain Steve Smith, ex-Ireland captain Willie John McBride and Hollywood A-listers Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.

The World Rugby Classic had 12 international matches and the inaugural women’s international match was a monumental success this year. The Classic Tournament is considered to be one of the most enjoyable events on the rugby calendar with plenty of time to enjoy the Bermuda beaches, golf courses and many other attractions inbetween games.

Tournament Results:

Finals Day - Saturday November 10th Bermuda 0 Argentina 38 Plate Final - Canada 5 France 19 Women's International - Classic Lionesses 55 Canada 0 2007 World rugby Classic Final - South Africa 31 New Zealand 12

2nd Semi Finals - Day 4 - Thursday November 8th Plate Competition: Canada 29 - USA 7 World Rugby Classic: South Africa 8 - Classic Lions 7

1st Semi Finals - Day 3 - Wednesday November 7th Plate Competition: France 14 - Argentina 0 World Rugby Classic: New Zealand 10 - Australia 7 Day 2 - Monday November 5th Canada 0 - South Africa 12 USA 12 - Classic Lions 55 Day 1 - Sunday November 4th Argentina 12 - Australia 22 France 8 - New Zealand 12