Six tries were a just reward for the ambitious Canadians who, after a slow start, proved dominant in every facet of the game. The world No.2 ranked side will head to the knockouts full of confidence, while Wales are looking at a disappointing early exit.
Story of the match
Wales started brightly, dominating possession and territory early on, but after failing to turn such dominance into points, Canada pounced. With the Welsh defence creaking under a red wave that would become relentless, prop McKinley Hunt powered over for the opening score.
That opened the floodgates. Canada’s famed ruck speed and superb hands taking over. The second effort was arguably the pick of four first-half tries, with just about all 15 red shirts combining from deep before winger Alysha Corrigan scorched over.
Three tries in 10 minutes was soon four in 14, as sevens star Asia Hogan-Rochester secured the bonus point on her RWC debut with a scintillating solo try.
While the North Americans’ attack will rightly take the headlines, their defence will have the world’s best worried too. A further two tries came in the second half – both scored while influential Wales number eight Georgia Evans served 10 minutes on the sideline – but just as crucially for Canada’s future, Wales simply could not find a way through.
A yellow card for replacement Olivia DeMerchant, after a high tackle, was just about the only blot for a team who flexed their muscles ominously.
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