Rampant Ireland crush Canada
Ireland marked Declan Kidney's first game in charge with a comprehensive 55-0 victory over Canada at new-look Thomond Park.
Last Updated: 08/11/08 10:10pm
Ireland marked Declan Kidney's first game in charge with a comprehensive 55-0 victory over Canada at new-look Thomond Park on Saturday.
The visitors were over-ran by a rampant Irish backline as tries from debutant Keith Earls, Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Alan Quinlan and braces from Rob Kearney and Tommy Bowe completed a routine win.
Ronan O'Gara enjoyed a flawless display with the boot - notching 13 points before he was replaced by Paddy Wallace midway through the second half.
To Canada's credit, they defended stoically after half-time, however the Irish had far too much speed and power as they crossed the whitewash three times in the second period, having led 38-0 at the interval.
Ireland made a dream start when Earls, making his international debut at his home ground, received the ball out wide from Luke Fitzgerald and powered through a tackle to ground the ball on the line.
Bulldozed
O'Gara added the extras followed by a penalty three minutes later as Ireland wasted little time in finding their groove at their new venue.
The Ireland No.10 was instrumental in the hosts' second try of the evening on 14 minutes as his clever grubber kick caused chaos deep in the Canada 22 and Kearney dived on the ball to score.
A scrappy period of play followed as torrential rain in Limerick prevented either side from putting together any try-threatening moves.
However, after 16 point-less minutes, Heaslip celebrated his first ever international try when he bulldozed his way over the line after a powerful drive from the Irish pack.
O'Gara's flawless evening with the boot continued to take the score to 24-0 and Ireland soon added their fourth try after a smart piece of thinking from Eoin Reddan.
The scrum-half's quick kick after a penalty had been awarded under the posts picked out Earls, who in turn fed Kearney, allowing the winger to dive in at the corner for his second try of the night.
O'Gara converted brilliantly from the touchline and there was even time for Bowe to score his sixth international try - again converted, as Ireland cruised into the interval 38-0 ahead.
Impressive
With the game well out of Canada's reach the visitors played with great pride and passion in the second half and limited Ireland's try-scoring opportunities.
After 15 minutes of action, coach Kidney rung the changes as a still not fully fit Brian O'Driscoll was among five substitutions from the Ireland coach.
After a period of stagnation the home supporters were on their feet again when Bowe broke the gain line and fed Wallace, who dived over to score on his home ground.
Ireland's best score came in stoppage time as a free-flowing move was finished off by another Munster man, Quinlan, after quick-hands from the impressive Kearney.
With the clock ticking down, Shane Horgan ensured there would be one final score as he made the burst before off-loading to Bowe, who crossed in the corner to seal the win.
