Canada have barged their way to a 33-14 win over the Wallaroos to open Australia's Pacific Four campaign.
In Jo Yapp's first game as coach, the Australians were unable to stop the powerful Canadian pack as the fourth-ranked side dominated the territory battle.
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All five tries came via the front-row as hooker Sara Cline and prop McKinley Hunt crossed for doubles.
The Australians showed glimpses of their class throughout the 80 minutes and gave themselves a chance when they were awarded a penalty try for a deliberate knockdown.
In the end, DaLeaka Menin's try silenced any hopes of a comeback as Canada went to the top of the Pacific Four standings.
The Canadians built their dominance around their rolling maul and forward pack as they looked to outmuscle the Australians.
Western Force hooker Cline opened the scoring for the Canadians at the back of the maul in the fifth minute before loosehead prop Hunt dived over five minutes later when they drove the maul 20 metres.
The Aussies thought they had their opener when Siokapesi Palu barged over down the short side only for the TMO to pull it for a knock-on in the build-up.
However, they didn’t have to wait long when Tania Naden dived over after a strong rolling maul just before the 20-minute mark.
The Canadians kept powering their way through the middle and it eventually produced Clyne’s second try of the night off yet another rolling maul.
Their 19-7 lead at the break which was quickly extended when Hunt got her second after a nice break from Gabrielle Senft.
The Wallaroos refused to die wondering and got themselves back into the contest when they were awarded a penalty try after a Maddy Grant knockdown right on the line.
This sparked the Canadians into action and prop DaLeaka Menin answered straight back when she snuck through the middle and dived under the posts.
The Australians tried to launch a comeback but were let down by their handling as the Canadian pressure was repleteness.
It allowed the visitors to control the game and park inside the Wallaroos 22 for the final quarter of the game to seal the win.
“It was a good first match but obviously disappointed with the result," captain Michaela Leonard said post-match.
“I think we showed the attacking threats we do have when we execute well and we saw that in Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller on the edges. For us, I think it’s just about fixing the execution, focusing on detail and bringing a bit more physicality next week.
“It’s been a whirlwind ten days with a lot of learnings, we saw some of it out there but we also saw a few areas that need fine tuning that we’ll fix up next week.”
Tries: Naden, Penalty Try
Cons: McKenzie 1/1
Tries: Clyne 2, Hunt 2, Menin
Cons: de Goede 4/5
WALLAROOS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Bridie O'Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Siokapesi Palu, Ashley Marsters, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Trilleen Pomare, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Lori Cramer
RESERVES: Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Sally Fuesaina, Eva Karpani, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Samantha Wood, Faitala Moleka
CANADA (1-15): McKinley Hunt, Sara Cline, DaLeaka Menin, Tyson Beukeboom, Laetitia Royer, Pamphinette Buisa, Sophie de Goede, Gabrielle Senft, Olivia Apps, Claire Gallagher, Paige Farries, Alex Tessier, Fancy Bermudez, Maddy Grant, Sarah-Maude Lachance
RESERVES: Emily Tuttosi, Brittany Kassil, Alexandra Ellis, Courtney Holtkamp, Fabiola Forteza, Justine Pelletier, Julia Schnell, Shoshanah Seumanutafa
Referee: Natarsha Ganley
