Fullback Kurtley Beale collected four tries as Australia made an impressive start to its campaign at the U/20 world championships by crushing Canada 86-0 in Fukuoka, Japan.

Halfback Richard Kingi, a regular for Australia in this year's Sevens world series circuit, also crossed four times as the Australians ran in 14 tries.

They led 31-0 at halftime.

Boasting nine players contracted to Super 14 provinces, the Australians completed the demolition by scoring 55 points in the second stanza.

"It was a reasonable start," said Australian coach David Nucifora.

"But we probably played better at times in our trials. So there is still plenty to work on."

Australia is grouped in Pool D of the 16-team tournament with Canada, Wales and Tonga.

The Australians play Tonga on Tuesday and Wales in the likely pool decider on Saturday.

The top side from each of the four pools advances to the semi finals.

In other matches, France defeated Italy 43-13, South Africa downed Fiji 36-10, Samoa beat Scotland 17-14 and Ireland edged out Argentina 16-9.

AUSTRALIA 86 (Kurtley Beale 4, Richard Kingi 4, Matt Toomua 2, Damian Fitzpatrick, Ben Tapuai, Rodney Davies, Robbie Coleman tries; Matt Toomua 5 cons, Richard Kingi 3 cons) def CANADA 0.

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