Ticket sales have been slow for the North-South game to be played in Dunedin next weekend but organisers hope interest will build after the teams are named.
Just 2200 tickets have been sold for the June 10 game, which was hurriedly arranged as part of the recovery package to help the Otago Rugby Football Union avoid liquidation.
Dunedin Venues Management Ld, which receives all revenues from the game but has to coverall costs, needs at least 5000 to 6000 fans through the gate.
It had hoped for a crowd of up to 9000 to 10,000 but that figure may now be optimistic.
The game is a tough sell for DVML, with the teams not yet named and the point of the match in the modern era being questioned.
North v South is a clash with a much history, but it used to be a game that carried significant meaning, and involved the country's best players.
That is no longer the case.
The All Blacks will play the first test against Ireland the same weekend, and other leading Super 15 players are likely to be rested.
The teams will be named on Monday, when South and former Highlanders coach Tony Gilbert is set to help launch the build-up at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
