Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Dublin

Wales have improved in several respects since Wednesday's heavy defeat against New Zealand, most notably in defence.

Their tackling has been powerful and their line speed consistently good, rushing up to stifle Canada's attacks.

However, Wales have lacked a cutting edge in possession, and coach Rowland Phillips will want to see his side convert pressure into points in the second half.

Orla Bannon
BBC Sport Northern Ireland in Dublin

Japan's penalty try is no more than they deserved. They've been the better side for the last 10 minutes.

Worrying times for the hosts.

That's it for the first half. We're nicely poised, with Canada taking a slight advantage.

Carys Phillips tries to force her way forward, keeping low.

As she goes to ground, Andrea Burk tries to snatch possession for Canada but the referee gives a penalty to Wales.

They opt to go for the line-out as it's too far out for a kick from the tee.

Wales earn a penalty after Lori Josephson comes in at the side of Sioned Harries.

They opt for the line out, which is delivered to Rebecca Rowe by Carys Phillips, but it wasn't straight so Canada opt for the scrum in the middle of the field.

Orla Bannon
BBC Sport Northern Ireland in Dublin

There's a thumping tackle by Ireland full-back Mairead Coyne on Eriko Hirano.

It was high and possibly should have been a yellow card. Ireland are having to defend more than they would like.

Ireland have been unable to breach the Japanese defences with a quarter of the game gone at the UCD Bowl.

The anticipated Irish rout which the home fans may have been expecting not looking on the cards at this stage.

If anything, Japan have been the better side up to this point.

Canada are exploiting the left wing as they launch another attack.

Wales are holding them up for now, so the world number three side spread it out to the right. They're about seven metres out.

But the pressure on the Welsh is released after a knock on from Emily Belchos.

Wales are penalised for a high tackle and Alex Tessier opts to kick to touch for a line-out between the Welsh 22 and 10m mark.

As Canada try to push forward, Emily Belchos goes to ground the ball and receives a boot to the head from Wales front row Caryl Thomas. Ouch.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Dublin

Canada are not quite as potent an attacking side as New Zealand but, like the Black Ferns, they are giving Wales a lesson in the importance of taking your chances.

Wales had a long spell inside the Canadian 22 but, quick as a flash, Canada break upfield towards the Welsh try line, and Lori Josephson finishes things off with a sniping break from the base of a ruck.

Play restarts after Wales number eight Sioned Harries is done receiving treatment on her dodgy leg.

Canada break from a scrum in their own territory and Karen Paquin burns down field.

But another knock-on halts everything once again. There's little fluidity from either side.

Errors, errors all over the place. From both sides.

Canada are five metres away from their own line and they kick clear.

Wales full-back Dyddgu Hywel collects it well at the half-way line and runs forward, but Canada turn it over thanks to Magali Harvey.

Fiona Hayes
Ireland prop on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

I think they're going to be looking forward to this one. I don't think they performed as well as they could against Australia. Grit and heart was shown but they've got more to give.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Dublin

Wales' replacements and coaching staff are whooping excitedly on the touchline as their side make a promising start against Canada.

Although the 2014 runners-up have had plenty of possession, Wales' defensive structure has been as firm as their tackling.

Open-side flanker Rachel Taylor, arguably Wales' best player against New Zealand, is impressing again.

Wales bundle their way forward into the Canada 22 with a few pick-and-goes but the ball is lost and it's in the palms of red centre Andrea Burk.

Ireland are under way against Japan!

Canada work through the phases - they've clocked up 13 now.

But Wales earn the penalty after some great defensive work. They're really holding their own against the world number three side.

Ireland and Australia gave us the closest match-up so far in the Women's Rugby World Cup when they met in their Pool C opener on Wednesday.

The hosts survived a late fightback to prevail 19-17 against the Wallaroos.

France lead the group having picked up a bonus point win in their opener against Japan, while 2014 semi-finalists Ireland are currently second.