Canada bully Wallaroos in World Cup reality check
World No.2 Canada dominated every aspect of Friday afternoon's clash, only the second time Australia's women have graced Suncorp Stadium.
Down 21-0 after 20 minutes, the hosts were lucky not to concede more than one extra try before the break, although there was a response to begin the second stanza.
A strong tackle-busting effort from winger Desiree Miller to score was brief respite though in a dominant Canadian performance.
Australia, ranked sixth in the world, beat world No.8 USA last weekend after a comprehensive loss to No.3 New Zealand to begin the Pacific Four Series.
Canada drew with New Zealand last week and will enter August's World Cup in England, where the hosts top the rankings, confident of bringing the trophy back with them.
In seven World Cups Australia have a sole third-placed finish and otherwise finished no higher than fifth.
"Would have loved the win last weekend but had to move on quickly," Canadian captain Alex Tessier said.
"Very proud; a decent win and put a lot of points on the board.
"The Pac Four plays a huge role (for the World Cup) ... which is coming up quite quickly."
The visitor's forward pack was rampaging in the first half, Australia unable to plug the gaps in defence and hesitant with ball in hand while their line-out struggled to function.
Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick had her moments in her first Test at inside centre, making a strong covering tackle to save a try and darting through the line whenever the opportunity presented.
The Wallaroos' replacement forwards also made an impact, reserve hooker Adiana Talakai unlucky to have a try disallowed after her injection after halftime.
Australia captain and back-rower Siokapesi Palu was another bright spot for the side but admitted her team had work to do with three Tests left before their World Cup opener.
"Canada were really physical, and set piece again was challenging," she said.
"We know they're a quality side and we really need to step up moving forward."
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7NEWS
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"I started playing women's rugby 30 years ago, I've absolutely loved it, but the prospect of the girls running out the tunnel and playing to the three tiers of Allianz, packed to the rafters. It's something perhaps I never hoped or thought I would see. It's certainly what girls' dreams are made of." More than 40,000 will be in Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Friday night (local time) to watch favourites England play United States. Also in Pool A Australia's Wallaroos begin their campaign against Samoa in Manchester on Saturday (2100 AEST). England have won 57 of their last 58 games - defeat to New Zealand in the final three years ago being the blip. New Zealand, seeking a seventh title, France and Canada look the only teams remotely qualified to challenge them in rthe 16-team event. World Rugby confirmed on Tuesday that this World Cup's four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2029 edition, joining hosts Australia. 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"I started playing women's rugby 30 years ago, I've absolutely loved it, but the prospect of the girls running out the tunnel and playing to the three tiers of Allianz, packed to the rafters. It's something perhaps I never hoped or thought I would see. It's certainly what girls' dreams are made of." More than 40,000 will be in Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Friday night (local time) to watch favourites England play United States. Also in Pool A Australia's Wallaroos begin their campaign against Samoa in Manchester on Saturday (2100 AEST). England have won 57 of their last 58 games - defeat to New Zealand in the final three years ago being the blip. New Zealand, seeking a seventh title, France and Canada look the only teams remotely qualified to challenge them in rthe 16-team event. World Rugby confirmed on Tuesday that this World Cup's four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2029 edition, joining hosts Australia.
