Wales observed a minute's silence in his memory and wore black armbands for their opening World Cup game against Canada in Nantes.

Sir Tasker, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for his bravery with the Welch Regiment in northern France in 1944, was one of Britains greatest war heroes and an eminent retired judge.

He died in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, in the early hours of Sunday.

WRU chairman David Pickering said: Sir Tasker was one of the greatest living Welshman throughout his fantastic life. He will be remembered as one of our nations heroes; a man who was an inspiration to so many people in so many ways.

Sir Tasker was elected WRU president in 1993 and held the position until 2004.

When he decided to step down, the WRU created a new post of honorary life vice-patron especially for him. The WRUs patron is the Queen.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said: This is a sad day for Welsh rugby because Sir Tasker was a great follower of the game and a great Welshman.

He was widely known and respected at all levels of the game but he was especially passionate about his own club Glamorgan Wanderers, where he was president.

Former Wales captain Colin Charvis, who received his first cap from Sir Tasker in 1996, said: During good times and bad, he was always there with some words of inspiration for myself and the team.

Although the public didnt see too much of him, he was inspirational for the players and our condolences go to his family and close friends.

Wales were given a huge scare by Canada before they eventually ran out 42-17 winners to claim a bonus-point.

The Canadians led 17-9 five minutes into the second half and Wales appeared shell-shocked following tries from Jamie Cudmore, Craig Culpan and Morgan Williams.

Wales superior fitness and the quality of bench eventually proved the difference and they scored five tries in the final 30 minutes.

And still Wales poured forward. Their superior fitness and the quality of their bench proved telling.

Shane Williams finally got his try as Jones took advantage of a huge overlap on the right flank with a cut-put pass to the winger and allow his side to breath easily.

Williams scored his second with an extravagant dive after another magnificent break from Shanklin, who excelled as the game opened up and Jones, who made the telling difference when he came on, then created space with a superb break and sent over Colin Charvis for Wales fifth try.