Declan Kidney’s reign as Ireland coach began in predictably convincing fashion as hapless Canada were swept aside at Thomond Park.

The Declan Kidney era began at a damp and blustery Thomond Park as Ireland looked to open their autumn series with a convincing victory over Canada.

Coach Kieran Crowley will look to an experienced front row of Kevin Tkachuk, Pat Riordan and Jon Thiel to lead the charge against Ireland at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Wellington forwards John Schwalger and Ross Filipo will make their New Zealand debuts against Canada in Hamilton on Saturday.

A crucial yellow card for Leinster flanker Niall Ronan saw Ireland's young Sevens side collapse to a 24-19 Bowl semi-final defeat to Canada at today's IRB South Africa Sevens in George.