Jones's smart sidestep put Sonny Parker in under the posts and his kicking from hand pegged the Canadians back. His performance turned Wales's fortunes around and it drew praise from his coach.

“We all know how good a player Stephen Jones is and he proved that today,” said an admiring Jenkins.

“He brought a bit of confidence and clarity to the game for us. With Gareth Thomas he brought new energy and belief and we then showed we can play some quality rugby.

Wales scored five tries in an impressive thirty minute spell to end the match 42-17 to the good. A double from Shane Williams and scores from Sonny Parker, Alun-Wyn Jones and Colin Charvis came as Canada's defence tired.

“A win was the most important thing for us today and then a good performance. We got what we came for and had half a performance to be pleased with.

“We were disappointed with our first-half, but you have to remember that rugby is an 80 minute game. Canada had a big part to play in what happened in that first half – they made it very difficult for us.

“What was positive for us was the way we reacted to them scoring their third try at the start of the second half. We didn’t panic and we stuck to the game plan.

“The replacements all made a positive impact and we were able to express ourselves more in the second half.”