Wales demolish Canada

Wales warmed up to face New Zealand next weekend by racking up a half-century of points with a nine-try, 61-26 demolition job of Canada.

It was not the perfect performance by any means, particularly in the first half, and head coach Gareth Jenkins will be concerned at the number of penalties Wales conceded.

New Zealand and Dan Carter will punish those misdemeanours ruthlessly next weekend, but it was a satisfying performance nevertheless.

Wales were always in control and Shane Williams was the star of the show.

The Ospreys winger scored a stunning solo try in the first half and caused havoc in the Canadian defence as he popped up at first receiver.

Williams had a hand in Matthew Rees' first try for Wales and it was his flat pass which allowed Ceri Sweeney to score soon after coming on as a second-half replacement.

Gareth Thomas opened the scoring as he chased down a clever chip through from James Hook and referee Tony Spreadbury awarded Wales a penalty try on the brink of half-time.

Dwayne Peel darted over after the interval, blindside flanker Jonathan Thomas scored twice in three second-half minutes and Tom Shanklin rounded of the scoring in the closing seconds. Hook converted eight of the nine tries.

Canada scored in the second half through replacement prop Dan Pletch and Edinburgh winger Mike Pyke, while James Pritchard kicked 13 points.

The two sides meet again in Nantes next September in the opening game of the World Cup.