Canada crushed Hong Kong 98-0, while there were also wins for England, New Zealand, the USA, Ireland and France on day one of the Women’s World Cup in Dublin.

Canada delivered a 16-try performance against Hong Kong to lay down an early marker in Pool A. Wing Magali Harvey starred, with five tries and eight conversions for a 41-point haul, while No 8 Kelly Russell scored a hat-trick. It was Canada’s highest World Cup score.

New Zealand cruised to a 44-12 win against Wales, after leading 20-0 at the break. Fullback Secila Winiata crossed for three of the Black Ferns’ tries.

In Pool B, England registered a convincing 56-5 victory against Spain. Red Rose wing Kay Wilson completed a first-half hat-trick and added a fourth after the break.

The USA ground out a 24-12 bonus-point triumph against Italy. The Eagles held a slender 12-7 advantage at the interval, but doubled their tally in the second half to wrap up the win.

In an enthralling clash in Pool C, Ireland pipped Australia 19-17. Both teams crossed for three tries, but wayward goal-kicking cost the Wallaroos. Ireland’s Nora Stapleton slotted two of her three conversion attempts, while Australia were successful with just one.

France ran in 12 tries to inflict a 72-14 defeat on Japan.

Photo: Oisin Keniry/INPHO/World Rugby