Wales’ new-look side were overpowered by Canada in the first of two World Cup warm-up Tests.

Elinor Snowsill gave the visitors an early lead, but after that it was all Canada, ranked fourth in the world.

Paige Farries scored a try in either half, with Fabiola Forteza, Maddy Grant and Justine Pelletier also crossing.

Wales had spent a gruelling week training in Halifax and fatigue had been expected after not playing Test rugby since the Six Nations.

In contrast, Canada looked match-sharp having played last month against Italy and in the summer’s Pacific Four competition.

Wales started brightly in front of the 4,000 Nova Scotia crowd, Sioned Harries showing early intent by bulldozing through the Canadian defence.

They were rewarded with a penalty inside 10 minutes, which Snowsill slotted over from close range, but that proved to be Wales’ only score.

Canada soon found a foothold in the game and asserted early dominance at the scrum which led to the opening try.

They drove to within a metre of the line before recycling the ball and shipping out wide to Farries.

Wales enjoyed spells of pressure, but were let down by their set piece. Their lineout, which had been a weapon in the Six Nations, malfunctioned, while Snowsill struggled in the windy conditions.

Canada’s second try came from the forwards who made good ground with a driving maul off the lineout. Brianna Miller once again got quick ball and this time it was Forteza who bundled over from close range.

Their third was the pick of the bunch, with forwards and backs skilfully combining to create an overlap on the wing for player of the match Grant.

It was more of the same story in the second half, the forwards patiently going through the phases to create space for Farries in the corner.

The game struggled for momentum as both sides rang in the changes, Eloise Hayward came off the bench for Wales to win her first cap along with Carys Williams-Morris and Lowri Norkett who started.

Wales also got a look at Sisilia Tuipulotu in her new role as tight-head prop, having won her previous two caps in the second row.

Wales knocked on the door as the half drew to an end, Jasmine Joyce looked full of running having recovered from shoulder surgery, as did elusive full-back Kayleigh Powell.

But it was Canada who had the final say 10 minutes from time, replacement scrum-half Justine Pelltier sniped from the base of the scrum before diving over the whitewash.

Wales will face England at Ashton Gate in their final World Cup warm-up on 14 September before jetting down to New Zealand.

Canada head coach Kevin Rouet said told BBC Sport Wales: “They [Wales] are very good at the breakdown and that was a challenge for us.

“I think we had some success in that first half, we were very patient and it was great to see the girls not panic, keep playing and keep building momentum.

“I like to play this team [Wales], that is what we need, as sometimes we are too nice.”

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham said: “There was some real good stuff in our game.

“We started really well, we had a lot of possession and territory, but for us to really kick on we have got to convert opportunities in to points.

“When you look at the game and break it down, we managed the physicality side of it, there were some great carries going forward, we worked hard off the ball as well which is pleasing and the impact of the replacements was good as well.

“There is a lot of pluses there, maybe the score did not reflect what we put in.”

Canada: Elissa Alarie; Paige Farries, Sara Kaljuvee, Alexandra Tessier, Maddy Grant; Taylor Perry, Brianna Miller; Olivia DeMerchant, Emily Tuttosi, DaLeaka Menin, Courtney Holtkamp, Tyson Beukeboom, Fabiola Forteza, Karen Paquin, Sophie de Goede (capt)

Replacements: Laura Russell, Brittany Kassil, Alex Ellis, Emma Taylor, Ngalula Fuamba, Sara Svoboda, Justine Pelletier, Julia Schell

Wales: Kayleigh Powell; Jasmine Joyce, Carys Williams-Morris, Hannah Jones (capt), Lowri Norkett; Elinor Snowsill, Ffion Lewis; Cara Hope, Kat Evans, Donna Rose, Abbie Fleming, Natalia John, Beth Lewis, Manon Johnes, Sioned Harries

Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Caryl Thomas, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Georgia Evans, Siwan Lillicrap, Eloise Hayward, Lleucu George, Caitlin Lewis.