A second-string Ireland overcame Canada 25-6 in their North American rugby tour opener on Saturday.

Without their British Lions or players involved in the Heineken Cup final, Ireland started six new caps and struggled to put away Canada on their first visit in eight years.

The turning point came after more than an hour, when Canada, trailing 13-6, were too slow recovering ruck ball inside the Irish 22 and turned it over.

Lock Ryan Caldwell launched the counter-attack, and flanker Niall Ronan linked with centre Darren Cave for new midfielder Ian Whitten to finish off at the other end for 20-6.

Seven minutes later, prop Tony Buckley dotted down inside the right corner to seal the win.

Ireland opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Canada failed to handle an up-and-under.

Cave recovered and chipped ahead for winger Barry Murphy to grab and score.

Canada fullback James Pritchard's first penalty cut the deficit to 7-3 by halftime, and soon after his second closed the gap to one.

Ian Keatley's two penalties on debut bumped Ireland's advantage to 13-6.

Ireland play the United States in California next weekend, while Canada host Wales in Toronto.

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