Second-half blitz carries Canada to win over Welsh

WALES’ hopes of a big scalp were extinguished by a dominant second-half performance from Canada in Cardiff.

The prospect of beating the side ranked third in the world was a very real one at half-time, with Carys Phillips’ try putting Wales ahead at the break.

However, Canada, who had captain Olivia Demarchant sent off in the first half, produced a fine second-half display.

Ioan Cunningham’s side had enjoyed a positive autumn campaign heading into this clash, with victories over Japan and South Africa in their opening matches.

However, the visit of the Canadians, regardless of how much rugby they’ve played in recent years, was always going to be a different test.

Wales proved early on they were up for the challenge, getting the upper hand in the set-piece even if Canada looked the more threatening when the ball was spread wide.

Wales managed to milk several scrum penalties in the opening 40 minutes, while their dominance with the maul is what led to their opening score.

A host of repeat infringements from Canada in trying to stop Wales’ driving lineout saw Tyson Beukeboom sent to the sin-bin, before Phillips crossed from the tail of a line-out to give Wales the lead.

Elinor Snowsill added the extras and they carried that lead into the break, with Demarchant’s dismissal just past the half-hour mark for a high tackle on Bethan Lewis only adding fuel to the notion that Wales could be about to claim a mightily impressive victory.

However, the half-time break proved to be where fortunes changed.

Canada came out intent to play with tempo, taking every penalty quickly and running from anywhere on the pitch.

While the accuracy of the final pass that had deserted them in the first half was still a little off, it wasn’t long before the pressure told.

After Veronica Harrigan had a score chalked off for obstruction shortly after half-time, four tries in a blistering 17-minute spell of running rugby ultimately made the difference.

First, flanker Courtney Holtkamp forced her way over from close range on 52 minutes, before prop Deleaka Menin finished in similar fashion 10 minutes later to give Canada the lead.

Flying wing Sabrina Poulin stepped her way over a few minutes later, before superlative replacement – and player of the match – Pamphinette Buisa dived over just before the 70-minute mark.

To their credit, Wales kept on fighting, even as the penalty count against them crept up into the 20s.

However, there was to be no consolation for the home side, although there were plenty of positives to take.