Canadian women's rugby team scores 7 tries in rout of Ireland
Senior team kicked off November tour in Dublin; men's squad falls to Romania
Canada's senior women's rugby team kicked off its November tour on Saturday with a 48-7 rout of sixth-ranked Ireland in Dublin.
Julianne Zussman ran in two tries for Canada and Andrea Burk kicked 13 points. DaLeaka Menin, Karen Paquin, Emily Belchos, Laura Russell and Magali Harvey had Canada's other tries at Dublin's UCD Bowl.
"We are pleased to win against Ireland," said head coach Francois Ratier. "There is still some room for improvement but I think we were able to maintain the continuity with our forwards and make sure that when we passed to the backs we had a clear option to score."
Third-ranked Canada dominated the first half, taking a 24-0 lead into the break.
Nikki Caughey had the lone try for Ireland.
"The score does not reflect how tough it was," said Canada forward Latoya Blackwood. "I think we performed well. We had a week to prepare and that really helped."
Canada returns to action Wednesday against top-ranked New Zealand in Dublin and will play England on Nov. 26 in Twickenham.
Canada falls to Romania in men's match
Phil Mack scored Canada's lone try as the national men's rugby team dropped a 21-16 decision to Romania at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf.
Gordon McRorie kicked three penalties and Connor Braid added one conversion in Canada's second match of its November tour.
Romania had an 18-6 lead at the break. Mack touched down for Canada in the 74th minute after Connor Braid was stopped just short of the try line.
Romania's Florin Vlaicu scored 16 of his side's 21 points.
It was Canada's third loss to Romania in as many years.
Romania is currently ranked 16th in the world, two spots ahead of Canada.