Canada 41 Iberians 14

Canada outmuscled and outplayed their Iberian rivals in a dominant first-half display that helped them etch their names on the World Rugby Classic Plate.

Tom Woods' men came out firing on all cylinders and rocked their opponents back on their heels within five minutes of the start, Scott McKinnon having the simple task of running the ball in after Jeremy Cordle did all the hard work. Scott Stewart made the score 7-0 with a successful conversion.

A minute later and the Canadians extended their lead. Colin Wilson executed a perfect chip and run before downing the ball.

Stewart again made good with the boot and Big Red were on their way.

In the 14th minute the lead went up to 19-0 when McKinnon got his second score of the afternoon after the Iberians had given up possession in their own half. Stewart, uncharacteristically, missed the conversion.

Some more super interplay from the Canadians saw them go over again five minutes before the break. The ball was fed from the centre to the wing and Courtney Smith broke a couple of desperate tackles before running in. Wilson got his distances correct this time and the Canadians went in at the break 26-0 up.

No doubt with the half-time teamtalk ringing in their ears the Iberians came out fired up in the second period and they had points on the board when Francisco Gonzalez Alonso went in for the try after his side had been awarded a penalty.

The conversion was good and the score was 26-7.

But the good work was dashed minutes later when the Iberians had a player sinbinned and Canada ran in another try as they played the numbers game to full effect, Stewart scoring. The conversion was missed.

Iberia continued to give it their all and they scored another try in the 45th minute and then added the conversion for good measure.

But Canada always had control of the tie and in the 53rd minute a quick lineout led to Cordle going in for another try. Stewart missed the conversion.

The best try of the match was saved for the end. At least ten pairs of hands touched the ball before Mike Moss went in for the score.