England off the mark as Black Ferns flex muscles
ENGLAND laid out a big statement of intent with a 10-try, 56-5 demolition of Spain to launch their Women’s Rugby World Cup title defence. Wing Kay Wilson ran in four tries as the reigning champions opened their bid to retain the crown in ominous fashion. England got the ball rolling in just the first minute, with Megan Jones crossing — and Wilson had completed her hat-trick in 31 minutes. Emily Scarratt, Harriet Millar-Mills, Alex Matthews, Amy Cockayne and Lydia Thompson all dotted down to complete a comprehensive victory over the world’s eighthranked Test side. Diana Gasso claimed Spain’s sole score as England flexed their muscles in style, and the Red Roses’ potent win hands boss Simon Middleton’s side the immediate edge in Pool B, with clashes against Italy and the USA still to come. Elsewhere, wing Kris Thomas scored two tries as the United States opened their World Cup campaign with victory against Italy. Thomas, who was also yellow-carded late in the game, opened her team’s account with an early score as the Americans claimed a bonus-point Pool B triumph. Fly-half Kimber Rozier also touched down in the first half, converting her own try, but Italy — England’s next opponents on Sunday — struck back with a Lucia Cammarano try that Veronica Schiavon converted. Thomas’ second try, though, ensured some breathing space before replacement lock Abby Gustaitis secured a fivepoint maximum, with Alev Kelter converting, before flanker Elisa Giordano claimed a consolation score. Wales were overrun 44-12 by New Zealand — who are expected to be the greatest challengers to England — as the Black Ferns amassed eight tries at Billings Park. Full-back Selica Winiata spearheaded the assault with a hat-trick and wing Renee Wickliffe ran in two tries as New Zealand’s back three ran riot. Meanwhile, Magali Harvey scored five tries as Canada recorded a blistering 98-0 win over Hong Kong, with the tournament debutants no match for the 2014 finalists. In the day’s final game France trounced Japan 72-14, with Ladagnous becoming the fourth hat-trick heroine of day one.