Ireland vs Canada player ratings: Impressive Irish prove too strong for Canada

Man-for-man marking from Ireland's win over Canada at the Millennium Stadium

Nathan Hyde
Saturday 19 September 2015 19:41 BST
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Ireland got their World Cup campaign off to the perfect start with an emphatic 50-7 victory over Canada at the Millennium Stadium

Ireland went top of Pool D after running in seven tries to secure a bonus-point win.

Joe Schmidt's side establish a four-try lead in the first half with Dave Kearney, Sean O'Brien, Iain Henderson and Jonny Sexton going over.

The Irish forwards were dominant throughout and Sexton and Conor Murry used the front-foot ball to great effect, initiating several intricate moves and creating acres of space for the back three.

Canada came out strong in the second half and their defence held out for 25 minutes, but Ireland eventually broke through with Cronin, Rob Kearney and Payne crossing over.

DTH van der Merwe salvaged a consolation try for the Canucks in the 67th minute but his side rarely threatened the Irish line and never looked like causing an upset.

So how did the players perform? Click on the gallery below to find out.

Do you agree with our ratings? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

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