Wales make hard work of Canada

Ospreys fly-half Hook limped off in the 18th minute, nursing tendon trouble.

And there was plenty of collective pain for Wales as they struggled to subdue a country eight places below them in the International Rugby Board world rankings.

Tries by Scarlets full-back Morgan Stoddart and Cardiff Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny gave Wales an unconvincing 10-6 interval lead.

And head coach Warren Gatland's sense of frustration surfaced just 10 minutes into the second period when he substituted skipper Ryan Jones.

The All Blacks, unbeaten against Wales since 1953, have little to fear on Friday night's evidence, although Gatland will clearly recall players like Lee Byrne, Shane Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Alun-Wyn Jones and Martyn Williams.

Reigning RBS 6 Nations champions Wales made the game safe inside an hour when they were awarded a penalty try that Hook's replacement - debutant Dan Biggar - converted.

Biggar also booted a penalty, while Bedford full-back James Pritchard - one of three English National League One players in the Canadian side - slotted a penalty double.

A second penalty try took Wales further in front, with Biggar adding the conversion, but then he gifted Canada a touchdown when Calgary Irish centre Ryan Smith intercepted his 74th-minute pass.

Halfpenny added his second score - a breakaway effort in injury time - and Biggar's conversion saw Wales home by a 21-point margin that almost flattered to deceive.