Rampant Wales outclass Canada
The Ospreys star withdrew before kick-off with a toe infection
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Friday, 17, Nov 2006 10:18
Wales rammed in nine tries to thrash Canada 61-26 in front of a crowd of over 74,000 at the Millennium Stadium.
The 2005 Grand Slam winners were led by two tries from John Thomas while James Hook kicked 16 points.
Wales were dealt a blow before kick-off when Gavin Henson withdrew with a toe infection with Sonny Parker stepping in.
Tries from Gareth Thomas on his 90th cap, Shane Williams, and Matt Rees gave the hosts a 28-12 lead at the break.
Dwayne Peel, Ceri Sweeney, Tom Shanklin, amd Thomas crossed the line after the break.
The Canucks, who were without their European-based players, scored tries through Dan Pletch and Mike Pyke.
James Prichard kicked two conversions and three penalties for the part-timers while Derek Daypuck kicked a drop-goal as the hosts were guilty of conceding a number of penalties.
Canada had taken a shock lead with a third minute penalty from Prichard before Thomas, Williams, and a penalty try from Rees put the Welsh ahead.
The try of the match was Thomas going over in the corner in the second half after being set-up by Mark Jones to cap off a slick passing move.
Head coach Gareth Jenkins made seven substitutions in the second half with the game wrapped up.
Wales face a sterner test when they play New Zealand next Saturday evening at home.