WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: Ireland's dreams of a Girona giant-killing were comprehensively crushed as Canada crucified them 45-0 under a scorching Spanish sun in yesterday's opening match of the Women's World Cup.
In something of an inverse pecking order compared with the men's game Canada are seeded fourth for this tournament in contrast with Ireland's lowly 13th ranking and the signs were ominous even in the opening couple of minutes.
It took a tremendous tackle from Fiona Steed to cut off a threatening Canadian attack within 60 seconds of the start and it was little surprise when the firm favourites duly went in front with an early penalty.
The Irish quickly found their feet, however, and enjoyed territorial dominance for the first half-hour, but unfortunately got no points on the board to reward their valiant efforts.
Cooke scrumhalf Karen Eagleson decided to take a quick tap on the Canadian 22 when kicking to open Ireland's account with five minutes on the clock would have been a better option, but the decision to run the penalty probably said a lot about Ireland's desperation to end the try famine which stretched throughout their Six Nations campaign.
Young Irish fullback Sarah-Jane Belton made a nice break but, with no support, was forced to kick ahead, and eventually the Canadians doubled their lead with a second penalty late in the first quarter.
After some hesitation, the Welsh referee awarded a try on 34 minutes following a Canadian forward drive and then disaster struck for Ireland on the stroke of half-time.
Belton, one of the team's key players, was yellow-carded for innocuously handling on the deck on her own 10 metre line - the referee had warned Irish captain Suzanne Fleming that the next offender would be binned - and Canada scored two tries in as many minutes in stoppage time.
Both were from impressive right winger Christie Thompson, the first taking advantage of a slight stumble from Fleming and the second the product of an extremely fortuitous bounce which gave her an easy run in.
Hooker Moira Shiels converted to make it 23-0 as the half-time whistle sounded and added a penalty shortly after the resumption before Canada cut loose as Ireland wilted in the heat, leaking a further five tries before finishing with a spirited, but again unrewarded flourish.
Ireland coach Donal O'Leary used all seven subs and withdrew both his skipper Fleming and star turn Belton for the final 10 minutes in recognition that there will be more important days ahead as his team now scramble for a placing between nine and 16.
They will face a very physical Samoan outfit, who lost 13-3 to Scotland, in their next game on Friday.
England beat Italy 63-9 to get their World Cup campaign off to a superb start yesterday. Sue Day was the inspiration behind the win, scoring an impressive five tries.
IRELAND: SJ Belton (J Sparkes); R Boyd (F Neary), P Kelly, N Milne, S Fleming (capt; L Cantwell); R Howell, K Eagleson; M Coulter, E Collins ( J Lonergan), C Coen (M Dolo), R Foley (M Quirke), A-M McAllister, R Reid (B Montgomery), M O'Loughin, F Steed.
