Canada opens quest for World Cup title

Magali Harvey leads 98-0 rout of Hong Kong

Canada is off to an impressive start at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup after posting a 98-0 rout of Hong Kong on Wednesday behind a huge game from Magali Harvey.

Canada, ranked third in the world, scored its first try at the four-minute mark of the match and didn’t let up until the final whistle.

Harvey, a star of Canada’s team that made it to the final of the 2014 World Cup, led the Canadians with five tries and eight conversions and was named player of the match. The Quebec City native now has 234 points in international competition.

Captain Kelly Russell had three tries for Canada, while A.J. Burk, Elissa Alarie and substitute Amanda Thornborough each added a pair.

Brittany Waters and Alex Tessier also scored tries, while Brianna Miller added a conversion.

“I’m really proud of the team and the effort they put in,’’ Russell said. “There are some things to fix going forward, but we’ll get there.’’

After building a 46-point halftime lead, the Canadians rolled out the bench over the course of the second half but still put up another 52 points.

Canada next faces Wales on Sunday.

Elsewhere Wednesday, defending champion England downed Spain 56-5; New Zealand downed Wales 44-12; the United States beat Italy 24-12; Ireland edged Australia 19-17; and France routed Japan 72-14.