Canada beat Wales in entertaining contest

Wales tries came through Carys Phillips, Sioned Harries and Lisa Neumann and Robyn Wilkins kicked the rest of the points while Canada's efforts came from Sara Svoboda, Gabrielle Senft, a Courtney Holtkamp brace, Cindy Nelles and Elissa Alarie, who was outstanding.The final scoreline was harsh on Wales, who had been more than competitive but they have learned a lot in that last 20 minutes, as Canada showed just why they are a top-4 ranked side, even with a raft of new players.

Wales came into the game on the back of wins over South Africa and Hong Kong, and started well.  Scrum-half Keira Bevan and full-back Lauren Smyth both produced promising openings, with Smyth looking especially dangerous as she ran back Canada kicks with intent.

Wilkins hooked a penalty effort wide in her attempt to open the scoring and although Wales were doing far more than just holding their own, it was Canada who then moved ahead.

The visitors kicked to the corner and a line-out drive ended with Svoboda emerging with the ball over the line. The conversion went wide and it allowed Wales to hit straight back.

It was a try similar to the away side's first, the forwards at the heart of things as they punched away at the Canadians. Hooker and captain Carys Phillips was the one to make it over the line.

Wilkins converted, but an enthralling game continued to edge back and forth as Canada hit back with another forward effort.

This time it was No 8 Senft with the try. Again the conversion was missed.

Wales punched away for a second before the break with the electric Jasmine Joyce leading the charge, but it was not to be as they turned around behind.

Canada moved further clear when the game resumed. Holtkamp was driven over and Magali Harvey converted.

Wales, though, hit back straight away as Harries crossed and Wilkins improved the effort which pointed to a tight and entertaining final quarter. Wilkins kicked to the corner in search of a try. Her effort looked too long, but Harvey couldn't gather the up and under and Neumann pounced to score.

Wilkins' conversion put Wales 21-17 up but the lead didn't last long with Canada full-back Alarie a constant threat.She was stopped by one fine diving tackle from Beth Fisher, but then made another electrifying break.

Replacement scrum-half Brianna Miller was in support and although she was stopped in miraculous fashion by Joyce, Canada now had the forward platform.

From there Holtkamp grabbed her second and just minutes later Cindy Nelles was over for another score.

Miller converted both scores and all of a sudden Canada were 31-21 up and running away with it.

The electric Alarie then finally got a deserved score of her own as she weaved her way in and out to score in the corner and Miller kicked the goal impressively once again for what turned out to be the game's final points.