Canada came out of the blocks with alacrity, alternatively stretching and hammering away at the Welsh defence. On a 5m scrum in the seventh minute, number eight Kelly Russell picked up from the back and passed to wing Elissa Alarie for the first try of the match, converted impressively from the touchline by scrum-half Brianna Miller.
Wales showed just as much commitment as in their previous meeting with Canada in the pool stage in Dublin, but things didn’t go their way on this drizzly day in Northern Ireland.
Thirty minutes in, Canada won a scrum on the Welsh 5m against the head with a huge shove, prolific points-scoring scrum-half Brianna Miller pouncing for the try and also converting for a 14-0 lead.
Shona Powell-Hughes, on as a temporary replacement for Sioned Harries, was then sent to the sin bin, and soon after Canada’s quick tap in front of the Welsh posts allowed lock Cindy Nelles to slide under. Miller converted to make it 21-0.
Wales would have hoped for a reversal in fortunes in the second half, but it wasn’t to be. Gaining possession just inside their own territory, the ball made its way to Alarie who raced down the wing, chipped the defence and reclaimed the ball to scores an inspired try. This time, Miller’s usual laser-like accuracy failed her.
The Canadian scrum-half was back on song a couple of minutes later when, already 26-0 up, flanker Jacey Grusnick charged down a clearance kick on Wales’ 5m line and scored a try which Miller converted with ease. 33-0.
Canadian openside Karen Paquin then showed what a running threat she can be, swerving her way through the defence for a dazzling try with half an hour left. Miller added the extras, and Canada now held a commanding 40-0 lead.
They built on that lead fewer than ten minutes later, with a powerful scrum on the Welsh 5m line giving them a penalty try and an automatic seven points.
Wing Elen Evans showed breathtaking speed and commitment to track down what would have been a sure try for Canada in the final minutes. She almost did similar in the next phase of play as the Canadians attacked down her own wing, only for Barbara Mervin to just about reach over for the unconverted try and a 52-0 victory for Francois Ratier’s team.
Wales will now make a trip to the Kingspan Stadium this Saturday, where they will come up against hosts Ireland.
Wales stung by Canada backlash
Wales were unable to counter a rejuvenated Canada this afternoon, the North Americans galloping into the fifth-place final with a 52-0 win in Belfast.
