ENGLAND 56-5 SPAIN
The Women's Rugby World Cup kicked off at University College Dublin with tournament favourites England showing everyone just how bloody lethal and ruthless they are.
Fresh from toppling New Zealand on their home turf, earlier this summer, England were tasked with seeing off minnows Spain at the UCD Bowl. They managed that in some style but wayward goal-kicking added a sheen of respectability to the final scoreline.
The opening exchanges of the World Cup were dreadful for Spain - failure to claim kick-off and a knock on - and clinically brilliant for England - try for Megan Jones after 52 seconds.
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England lock Zoe Aldcroft and blindside Harriet Millar-Mills were looking immense in the early exchanges and the size differential between both squads was apparent. Spain fullback Barbara Pla put in big hit on England centre Marina Bravo to rouse the crowd but she eventually came off the worst - failing a Head Injury Assessment.
Kay Wilson got England's second try after an utterly dominant scrum gave her the platform to punch through. Wilson's second try, on 18 mins, arrived via a crossfield 'wiper' kick from Katy McLean. Spain held out for 14 minutes but, on 32, Wilson bashed over for her hat-trick after good work from Danielle Waterman.
Brief, scandalous hope arrived just before half-time with a Spanish try.
There was a great break from Patricia Garcia, including two hack ons before she was dragged down. Spain kept play going with a quick tap before Vanesa Rial offloaded to Danielle Gasso for a superb score in the corner.
The second half was 146 seconds old when England substitute Emily Scarratt scored a try. It was the first time she touched the ball.
Another conversion went askew from McLean but the scoreboard was soon ticking as Millar-Mills rampaged over after a period of sustained pressure in the Spanish 22. McLean wanged her extras attempt off the crossbar so it was 34-5 with 30 minutes left on the clock.
Wilson romped over for her fourth try after 53 minutes but a change of goalkicker - La Toya Mason for McLean - made no difference as her first attempt missed the target.
Scarratt grabbed the kicking tee after the T.M.O had awarded Alex Matthew a try and, no mistake, over the ball sailed from the left-hand touchline. The 27-year-old is a class apart.
Saying that, Scarratt did scuff a simple try chance with a poor drop but England were celebrating another try soon after when replacement hooker Amy Cokayne got over.
Lydia Thompson had threatened tries all afternoon so it was fitting that she got over for the final score of the afternoon. 10 tries for England but the fact that they only landed three conversions may be a concern.
Ireland, New Zealand, France and Canada will all take close of note of this excellent performance.
