Captain Al Charron tries his hand at Aussie Rules

The north Americans lost their opening match 41-10 to Wales and next up, on Friday in Melbourne, are the All Blacks.

"I've said publicly that the All Blacks will win the World Cup," Clark said.

"We're obviously not going to beat them.

"They'd have to all fall down, just like when the guy won the speed-skating gold for Australia."

If we got 13 points again I'd be very happy Dave Clark Canada's World Cup pedigree

In 1991 the teams met at the quarter-final stage when Canada put in a creditable performance before losing
29-13.

Canada went into their opener against Wales with high hopes, but Clark insists that is now in the past.

"We've got over our disappointment," he added. "Now we want to regain our national pride."

The coach has got his players training hard for the challenges ahead and has introduced Aussie Rules to their warm-up routine.

"I played Australian Rules Football until I was 19 but I was then selected to play rugby union for Queensland and told I couldn't play it anymore," Clark explained.

"It's a fun game and it helps the players relax."

Clark is confident his men can beat Italy and Tonga and to that end he may rest Al Charron against New Zealand so the skipper is fresh for those matches.

"I'd like to play against New Zealand but we've got to do what's best for the team," said Charron, who is available for selection despite limping off against Wales.

New Zealand ring the changes

"My knee's fine. I can't use that as a crutch - not that I ever was a speed demon," the 37-year-old added.