Canada runs in eight tries in 50-20 rugby win over Springbok women in Pretoria

Florence Symonds and Alysha Corrigan scored two tries apiece to help Canada to a 50-20 win over South Africa in women's rugby play Saturday.

Despite the comfortable victory margin, it did not all go the second-ranked Canadians' way. The second half saw the 12th-ranked Springboks score 17 points and Canada lose several players to injury.

"I think we put in a big shift there," said Symonds, named player of the match. "I think we were down to 14 (players) at one point so we were thrown that challenge, I'm just really proud of the team."

The two teams meet again next Saturday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. The Canadian women will then have just two more outings before the Rugby World Cup kicks off Aug. 22 in England.

DaLeaka Menin, Fancy Bermudez, Laetitia Royer and Caroline Crossley also scored tries for Canada, which led 26-3 at halftime. Julia Schell kicked five conversions.

The win looked for a while like it had come at a cost when, early in the second half, Bermudez was taken off the field on a cart after an apparent leg injury. Rugby Canada said later Bermudez had rejoined the team after being medically cleared.

Olivia Apps shifted to the wing in place of Bermudez, with Justine Pelletier taking over at scrum half, before she herself hobbled off in the 60th minute.

Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandre Dolf and Sizophila Solontsi scored tries for South Africa. Cilliers also booted a penalty and conversion.

The game at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the 51,762-capacity stadium that is home to the Vodacom Bulls, was a curtain-raiser for the men's test match between the top-ranked Springboks and No. 10 Italy.

Injured South African men's captain Siya Kolisi delivered the pre-game team talk to the Springbok women.

It was 17 C in