Captain Pat Riordan scored two tries to help the Canadian men's rugby team kick off its European tour Saturday with a 43-12 win over Belgium.
The 14th-ranked Canadians, who led 26-5 at the half, also got tries from Tom Dolezel, Sean White, Sean Duke and Ander Monro. Nathan Hirayama kicked three conversions before leaving the game with a shoulder injury and Monro booted a penalty and two conversions.
Belgian responded with two tries and a conversion in wet conditions before nearly 5,000 fans at Stade Roi Baudouin.
Canadian coach Kieran Crowley said despite the final score line the match had its moments.
"They scored to finish off the first half and then opened the second half with a score, so that put us under some pressure," said Crowley. "But in the last fifteen minutes we pulled away."
The game was a request from the International Rugby Board to play to help the 26th-ranked Belgians' rugby development.
The game was the debut start for 18-year-old Taylor Paris, who overtook Gareth Rees' Test debut record of age 19. The speedy wing did not make it onto the score sheet, but Crowley said Paris did well for his first senior start.
"For sure it was great for him to get his first Test," said Crowley. "He is a young guy and he is learning a lot in a hurry, but he certainly contributed out there today."
Crowley fielded a team entirely made up of domestic-based amateurs since his overseas pros were not available to him.
There will be reinforcements for Canada's subsequent tour games against No. 17 Georgia, No. 22 Portugal and No. 23 Spain.
"It was a great opportunity for some young players today, but we will be working our professional players in this week," said Crowley.