Six tries were a just reward for the ambitious Canadians who, after a slow start, proved dominant in every facet of the game. The world No.2 ranked side will head to the knockouts full of confidence, while Wales are looking at a disappointing early exit.
Story of the match
Wales started brightly, dominating possession and territory early on, but after failing to turn such dominance into points, Canada pounced. With the Welsh defence creaking under a red wave that would become relentless, prop McKinley Hunt powered over for the opening score.
That opened the floodgates. Canada’s famed ruck speed and superb hands taking over. The second effort was arguably the pick of four first-half tries, with just about all 15 red shirts combining from deep before winger Alysha Corrigan scorched over.
Three tries in 10 minutes was soon four in 14, as sevens star Asia Hogan-Rochester secured the bonus point on her RWC debut with a scintillating solo effort.
While the North Americans’ attack will rightly take the headlines, their defence will have the world’s best worried too. A further two tries came in the second half – both scored while influential Wales number eight Georgia Evans served 10 minutes on the sideline – but just as crucially for Canada’s future, Wales simply could not find a way through.
A yellow card for replacement Olivia DeMerchant, after a high tackle, was just about the only blot for a team who flexed their muscles ominously.
Mastercard Player of the Match
The goal-kicking second-row Sophie de Goede was in sensational form. A total of 19 carries, more than 100m made, two turnovers and six out of six conversions makes for mighty impressive reading.
"I think we did well to manage that game because Wales came out with a lot of fire and fight as we knew they would," said de Goede. "They're a nation with a lot of pride so big respect to them. I'm really proud of our girls for weathering it.
"We have another match against Scotland to set us up well for the quarter-final. We will enjoy this one and then focus on that.
"You have seen lots of World Cups decided by favourites going out in the quarters so it's really important for us to set ourselves up well."
Coach insight
Canada head coach Kevin Rouet was delighted with the swift progress to the knockouts but is adamant there are areas to improve.
"Forty two points, we would have signed for that so we are quite happy.
"We had some brilliant moments on the field but 27 turnovers is way too many - 42 points with so many mistakes like that, it's amazing.
"We know we have a job to do to refine our game. I am excited for next week because we want to play a good game of rugby."
Wales coach Sean Lynn could not hide his disappointment at a second successive defeat and an early exit.
"In the first 20 minutes, we were in their 22 and you just want to be coming away from there with points," he said. "We've seen improvements from last week for sure; seen glimpses of what we're trying to be and want to be brave. Every game we have to improve.
"Obviously we want to be physical in the breakdown but we want to be able to attack both side of the ruck. We've just got to make sure we pick the right moments to capitalise.
"It's important that if we're getting these fast starts, we've finding momentum with points."
Stat of the day
Canada’s McKinley Hunt had a first half to remember. Two tries, 10 carries and 35m made. Not bad for a loose-head prop.
Next steps
Canada now have the luxury of using their final pool-stage match against Scotland next Saturday to prepare for the quarter-finals, and beyond. Although they will be keen to ensure they go through as top seeds from Pool B. For Wales, it is back to the drawing board as they attempt to end their disappointing campaign on a high, against Fiji in Exeter.
