England ran in 10 tries to get their title defence off the mark with a 56-5 demolition of Spain at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland on Wednesday.
Wing Kay Wilson ran in four tries in their opener in Dublin with Pool B rivals the United States beating Italy 24-12.
Megan Jones put England ahead in the first minute and Wilson had completed her hat-trick in 31 minutes.
Emily Scarratt, Harriet Millar-Mills, Alex Matthews, Amy Cockayne and Lydia Thompson all touched down against the world’s eighth-ranked side whose sole score came from Diana Gasso.
“We’re happy to get a win under our belts,” England captain Sarah Hunter told ITV.
“It’s job one done. There’s plenty for us to improve for our next game.
“Spain came at us and gave us some problems at times. It’s pleasing to get that run out and get that training on the pitch.”
Hosts Ireland edged Australia 19-17 in a Pool C thriller with group rivals France overrunning Japan 72-14.
Larissa Muldoon’s converted first-half try put Ireland 7-5 ahead at the break, with Mahalia Murphy getting the Wallaroos on the scoreboard.
Shannon Parry put Australia ahead but replacements Ciara Griffin and Sophie Spence secured victory for the 2014 semi-finalists.
Magali Harvey scored five tries as Canada began their campaign with a blistering 98-0 rout of Hong Kong in Pool A as New Zealand trounced Wales 44-12. – Agence France-Presse
