Halfpenny injury dulls Wales' 68-12 demolition of Canada

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Wales put aside a serious-looking knee injury to Leigh Halfpenny in his 100th test to demolish Canada 68-12 at Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Even without a dozen Lions who won Wales the Six Nations in March, the home side was too powerful, too fast, and too savvy for a Canada side playing its first test in 21 months.

Wales' 68 marked its most points against Canada, while the 56-point margin was one shy of that record.

But the sheen of 10 tries and five debuts was dulled by Halfpenny going down inside the first minute, on the occasion of his century of tests, 96th for Wales. He'd launched a counterattack but slipped before going into a tackle. He was taken off on a stretcher to rousing applause from the crowd of 8,200, the first spectators allowed at the stadium since February 2020.

The injury was suspected to be the anterior cruciate ligament. Halfpenny tore the ligament in his right knee against Italy in September 2015. He was out for nine months. This time, he's nearly six years older at 32.

Canada actually scored the first try, from a quick tap penalty finished by Kainoa Lloyd out wide. But Wales replied within two minutes with its own try from a quick tap, the first of two by scrumhalf Tomos Williams.

More tries followed in the 15th, 21st, 28th, 32nd and 37th minutes for Wales to lead a point-a-minute 40-5 at halftime.

Ultimately, there were first test tries for flanker James Botham, wing Jonah Holmes (2), hooker Elliot Dee, lock Will Rowlands and back-rower Taine Basham (2). Prop Nicky Smith also got on the board. Callum Sheedy converted seven of eight, and his flyhalf replacement Ben Thomas, converted the last two.

Canada's team of mainly Major League Rugby players -- four debutants started and three more were in the reserves -- were outclassed, but the tour which includes a match with England next weekend at Twickenham is about preparing for Rugby World Cup qualifiers in September.

Wales warmed up for Argentina over the next two weekends.

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