North v South match remains in doubt
May 23, 2002

Canada coach Dave Clark understands the reluctance of Australian players to play in the proposed North versus South hemisphere match in November but believes it needs to be played for the good of rugby worldwide.

Clark, whose Canadian team is currently in Sydney preparing for a three-match tour, spoke of the need for financial assistance for struggling rugby nations such as Canada.

"In the age of professionalism, the gap between the top nations and the rest is widening because of funding," Clark told AAP.

"The money from the hemisphere game would be vital for us."

"We're very professional in our approach. We do things that Australia and England do - but if we had a little bit of money we could do even better.

However the quality of the players involved is in doubt after a players union representing Australia, New Zealand, England and France opposed the fixture, believing that the international schedule is already too crowded.

"I can understand why the New Zealanders and Australians are against it," Clark said.

"There's a game being put on to make money which has got nothing to do with player comfort or the needs of the players."

The Canadians play NSW Country on Saturday, Sydney next Wednesday and finish the tour against Australia A - a team which could include league converts Mat Rogers and Wendell Sailor - next weekend.

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