A dominant second-half performance from Canada saw them battle their way past Wales to secure a 24-7 win at Cardiff Arms Park.
Canada played the majority of the contest with 14 women, following the first-half sending off of skipper Olivia DeMerchant for a high tackle.
But while Canada came away with the win, it was Wales who looked the stronger of the two sides in the opening stages, with Ioan Cunningham’s side threatening early on.
On 9 minutes, Canada found themselves down to 14 after a host of repeated infringements with Tyson Beukeboom finding herself in the bin for 10.
And the resulting line-out led to the opening score of the game, with Wales hooker Carys Phillips crossing over on the back of a dominant rolling maul to touch down with ease.
Elinor Snowsill added the extras and it was no more than Wales deserved.
Then almost 10 minutes later, Wales nearly touched down again through scrum-half Keira Bevan, whose excellent sniping run down the blindside put her into acres of space, haring down upon Canada’s line.
But Canada had opposite number Justine Pelletier to thank, with the Canadian nine scampering back to produce a stellar tap tackle that thwarted Bevan’s advances.
Canada managed to create some attacking chances towards the end of the opening 40 but a number of inaccurate moments when it mattered most halted their progress.
And then on 34 minutes, the game was almost flipped on its head when Canada skipper DeMerchant was adjudged to have taken Bethan Lewis high with a shoulder directly to the head, which resulted in her sending off.
However, Wales were unable to make their advantage count despite going in at halftime 7-0 up and on track for what could have been a famous scalp.
After the break, Canada were rejuvenated, and looked to have levelled up proceedings on 48 minutes only for the try to be chalked off after Gabrielle Senft was spotted by the TMO to have caused an obstruction just before Veronica Harrigan darted over.
However, the visitors didn’t have to wait long for their opening score with flanker Courtney Holtkamp crossing over from close range to make it 7-5 after a missed conversion.
Then on 62 minutes, Canada took the lead through DeLeaka Menin, who like Holtkamp, crossed over from close range with Alexandra Tessier adding the extras.
And just minutes after their second, Canada had their third try on 65 minutes, with winger Sabrina Poulin stepping inside opposite number Lisa Neumann to touch down, making it 17-7.
Wales had no answer in the second half despite their advantage in numbers, with Canada then going over for their fourth score on 69 minutes through Pamphinette Buisa, who powered over following some patient phases.
And when the final whistle went, it was the visitors who collected all the spoils in what was an incredible effort following the sending off of DeMerchant, with the contest finishing 24-7 to Canada.
