Canada second side may face All Blacks

By CHRIS RATTUE

The All Blacks' free ride through their World Cup pool might get even easier with Canada prepared to put out a weakened side against them in Melbourne on October 17.

It's a farcical proposition, one of rugby's minnows running up the white flag against the heavyweight All Blacks in what would be a Black Friday for the Canadians. But Canadian coach David Clark is considering the move, partly in protest at an unfair draw.

While the red carpet has been rolled out for the All Blacks, who get at least six days between every match, Canada face a damaging schedule.

They open against Wales in Melbourne on October 12, play New Zealand there five days later, have just four days to prepare to play Italy in Canberra, then an eight-day break before taking on the hard-hitting Tongans in Wollongong.

The All Blacks should waltz through the pool against 10th-ranked Wales, 12th-ranked Tonga, 13th-ranked Italy and 16th-ranked Canada.

Clark said from Canada: "I might play my best XV against Wales and not play them again for nine days, so the second XV plays the All Blacks.

"It's physically impossible for your top XV to recover in four days and a day of travel before playing the best team in the world.

"That's unreasonable. Italy is in an even worse position than us and Tonga not much better.

"It's fine for the All Blacks, because they are the best team in the world and get the best draw as well.

"The minnows have to struggle. What does it do to my playing staff? We can't recover our players in time."

Clark admitted he could be "falling on my sword" because getting a bonus point for four tries against the All Blacks would be vital.

"But it's something I have to consider quite seriously and I'll talk to my coaching staff and senior players.

"I can't destroy my No 1 team then come up against Italy four days later with five or six injuries and expect them to perform and win. It's not a reasonable request.

"Our wingers might be alright but how can I ask my top props to get out and struggle against Wales then come up against Greg Somerville four days later."

Australian Clark, who was Canada's assistant coach at the last World Cup and has helped prepare three Wallaby World Cup teams, described Italy's schedule as "ludicrous".

Canada held New Zealand to 29-13 in wet, slippery conditions in France at the 1991 World Cup. They were belted 73-7 at Eden Park in 1995 and the Maori won in Canada by 65-27 and 30-9 this year.