LANGFORD, B.C. -- Canada opened with an easy 38-0 win over Japan on Saturday at the Canada Sevens women's rugby tournament at Westhills Stadium.
Canadian coach John Tait emptied his bench in the second half of a game that ended with Kelly Russell showing her power, repeatedly fending off a Japanese defender en route to the goal-line.
Bianca Farella scored two tries and Karen Paquin, Britt Benn and Kayla Moleschi added singles. Russell and Ghislaine Landry combined for four conversions.
"I was really pleased with the way the ladies came out," said Tait. "We did a lot of things we talked about ... I was a bit frustrated with the amount of penalties we took but I said to the girls afterwards those are good, aggressive penalties.
Canada played Ireland and England later Saturday.
The Canadians came into the tournament third in the overall standings, behind Series-leading Australia and New Zealand. The Australians won the three previous stops in Dubai, Sao Paulo and Atlanta, compiling a 17-1 record en route.
Japan, ranked 10th in the season standings, fielded a squad that boasted five-foot-seven 189-pound Mateitoga Bogidraumainadave. Or as reporters called her, No. 3.
Australia opened with a 12-7 win over France while New Zealand defeated Fiji 26-5.
Australia and New Zealand both brought younger squads to North America. Australia's roster featured three debutantes while New Zealand had two.
All eyes are on Rio this summer, as rugby sevens makes its Olympic debut. Canada qualified by virtue of its second-place finish last season on the World Series.
Canada finished sixth at last year's inaugural event in Langford, winning all three games on Day 1 but stumbling to 1-3 record on the final day to place sixth. It marked the first time in 10 events that Canada had not finished in the top four.
The Canadian women have finished sixth, second and fourth this season, posting an 11-7 record.
The circuit wraps up May 28-29 in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
