England open World Cup with 11-try win over USA

Womens Rugby World Cup - Pool A

England (28) 69

Tries: Kabeya, Botterman, Muir, Kildunne (2), Dow, Cokayne, Breach (2), Atkin- Davies (2) Con: Harrison (6), Sing

United States (7) 7

Try: Jarrell Con: Hawkins

England delivered an impressive statement of intent to their Rugby World Cup rivals as they scorched to a 69-7 victory over the United States in front of 42,723 fans at the tournament opener in Sunderland.

The American Eagles, who are ranked 10th in the world, fought hard but faded badly as Englands quality off the bench powered them to 11 tries.

Full-back Ellie Kildunne marked both her scores with her usual square-dance celebration – a move inspired by one of the teams WhatsApp groups – while Jess Breach, with whom she presents a podcast called Rugby Rodeo, followed suit after her own double.

The United States lost a Pacific Four Series Test to defending champions New Zealand 79-14 in May, so England may consider the scoreline par for the course.

But, backed by a partying crowd of supporters in cowboy hats and many young voices, it was a display that only stoked belief that the Red Roses can make good on their status as tournament favourites after losing in five of the past six finals.

The attendance set a new record for a Womens Rugby World Cup match, surpassing the 42,579 who watched New Zealand win the final in 2022 at Eden Park.

England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews.

Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Scarratt, Sing.

United States: Sharp; Henrich, Maher, Kelter, Mataitoga; Hawkins, Ortiz; Rogers, Treder, Sagapolu, Brody, Jarrell-Searcy, Zackary, Perris-Redding, Johnson.

Replacements: Stathopoulos, Leatherman, Jacoby, Ehrecke, Tafuna, Bargell, Bitter, Ibarra

More to follow.