New Zealand, USA and Canada win

New Zealand, USA and Canada's ladies top their respective pools after day one of the Women's Rugby World Cup in England.

Pool A

New Zealand romped to a 55-3 win over South Africa the day before the men take on the Boks in Soweto.

The game was effectively settled as a contest within the first quarter as the three-time defending champions New Zealand made the most of the wind at their backs and ran in three tries in the first 15 minutes.

South African heads never dropped and they worked terrifically hard in defence but it was New Zealand who gave a lesson in taking chances as they ran in nine tries. The Black Ferns now have an iron grip on Pool A whereas South Africa have it all to do.

Right wing Carla Hohepa notched a hat-trick of tries in the rout, while there was also a brace for centre Huriana Manuel. The other tries came from hooker Fiao'o Fa'amausili, centre Kelly Brazier - who also landed five conversions - left wing Renee Wickliffe and number eight Casey Robertson.

Australia are level with New Zealand at the top of Pool A after a tight 26-12 win over Wales, as they bid to be the team to hold world and sevens cups simultaneously.

The RWC Sevens 2009 champions ran in three tries in a sparkling first half display at Surrey Sports Park, only for three yellow cards to allow Wales back into the opening Pool A match of the tournament.

Despite conceding two second half tries, though, the Wallaroos dug deep and impressive full back Tricia Brown scored from the last play of the match to secure the four-try bonus point they had been seeking.

Wing Nicole Beck scored the opening try and kicked three conversions, and centres Cobi-Jane Morgan and Sharni Williams scored the other two.

For Wales, replacement hooker Lowri Harries was on the scoresheet and the Welsh also forced a penalty try.

Pool B

England and the USA both secured victories to nil, England 27-0 over Ireland and the USA looking impressive in a 51-0 drubbing of Kazakhstan.

The USA looked pacy and impressive, with fly-half Christy Ringgenberg running the show. Nathalie Marchino (2), Christy Ringgenberg (2), Ashley Kmiecik, Phaidra Knight and Amy Daniels all dotted down for scores, with Ringgenberg converting five and adding two early penalties as the USA took a cautious approach to lead-building early on while wearing down Kazakhstan's powerful pack.

England had a tougher time of it, gaining the bonus point only right at the end through Maggie Alphonsi.

Other tries came from Fiona Pocock, Katherine Merchant and Amy Turner, while Katy McLean added two conversions and a penalty.

Pool C

This could be the toughtest pool, with Sweden running France close to a 15-9 defeat and Canada impressing in a 37-10 win over Scotland.

Canada's backs were the winners in their game, running in five tries to Scotland's pack's one. Barbara Mervin, Mandy Marchak (2), Maria Gallo and Heather Moyse were Canada's tryscorers, with Anna Schell landing five kicks from seven, three conversions and two penalties.

Meanwhile, Tries from captain Sandra Rabier and Claire Canal (2) were just enough to guide France to victory over a spirited Sweden side making their first appearance on the Women's Rugby World Cup stage for 12 years.

While Sweden couldn't cross the whitewash, Ulrika Andersson-Hall kept them in the game with some excellent kicking, leaving the score 10-9 at half-time and only when Canal crossed for her second with eleven minutes to go were France safe.

"It was a loss but we played one of the best games ever," said Andersson-Hall afterwards.

"I think we showed we are in this tournament and that we actually can pick up some points. We are disappointed that we lost, the girls were crying afterwards because it was such a good game and we were hoping for maybe a draw or a win but I mean it was a very good start of the tournament for us and I'm very pleased, very proud of the girls."