AP Photo/Themba Hadebe
AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

Canada makes its Olympic rugby sevens debut in winning fashion

History was made the moment Canada’s team stepped onto the field for Rugby sevens’ Olympic debut on Saturday. However, a 45-0 shoutout over Japan, made the experience that much sweeter for the women in red and white.

Canada didn’t waste any time getting on the Rio 2016 scoreboard thanks to Ghislaine Landry, who got the team’s first try in less than 30 seconds. Two and a half minutes later Kayla Moleschi, extended Canada’s lead with the nation’s second try. Just over a minute later Bianca Farella sped past Japan and touched down at the 4:25 minute mark.

Related: Rugby Canada selects inaugural women’s sevens team

Canada's Ghislaine Landry at Canada's opening women's sevens match at Rio 2016 on Aug. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Canada’s Ghislaine Landry at Canada’s opening women’s sevens match at Rio 2016 on Aug. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

One would think that the momentum may slow down with a 19 point lead halfway through the first, but Landry needed to score one more try to give Canada a 26-0 lead, before heading into the second.

Farella started off the second half, with another try, before a breakaway by Britt Benn extended Canada’s lead to 38-0. Canada’s final try went to Natasha Watcham-Roy, before a conversion by Kelly Russell sealed a 45-0 victory for Canada’s historic rugby team.

Canada’s dominant opening victory, ranks them first overall in pool C, ahead of Great Britain, hosts Brazil followed by Japan. The team will play its final game of the day against Brazil on Saturday evening.