Rugby: South Africa in 50-point romp

South Africa opened their international rugby season with a predictably easy 51-18 victory over Canada in East London yesterday.

The match gave a clear indication of coach Nick Mallett's new vision for Springbok rugby. They ran in eight tries and played expansive rugby in direct contrast to the defensive tactics employed at last year's World Cup.

The test also enabled the coach to experiment with a few new combinations, the most notable of which was the shifting of fullback Percy Montgomery to first five-eighths.

Wing Breyton Paulse scored the Springboks' first try in the 11th minute following a 70m sprint to the tryline.

Canada's captain, Al Charron, had the honour of scoring his country's first try against the Springboks.

The Springboks play England in Pretoria next Sunday in the first of two tests.

* In Manchester, New Hampshire, centre Mike Mullins scored a hat-trick of tries as Ireland swamped the United States 83-3 in the second match of their tour.