Canada scored an emphatic 11-try victory over Barbados in Bridgetown, winning 69-3 in the first of their matches in round 3b of American qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2007.

In the process wing James Pritchard set a new Canadian points record, scoring three tries and kicking eight conversions for a personal haul of 31, surpassing Gareth Rees’ long-standing record of 27 in a single match.

Spearheaded by Pritchard's hat trick, Canada romped to a 45-0 half-time lead and, although Kert Johnston kicked Barbados' first penalty chance of the second half, the lead was insurmountable and Canada went on to win easily, 20 year-old Van der Merwe and Justin Mensah-Coker among the second half scorers.

“Conditions were very hot but the team coped well and kept up the pressure for the full match,” said Canada Manager Bob McGeein.

Canada’s next qualifying match will be far tougher, against rivals USA in St John’s, Newfoundland on 12 August 12, while Barbados take on the USA on 1 July.