England start WXV1 defence with win over USA

WXV - United States v England

United States (7) 21

Tries: Kelter 2, Zackary Cons: Hawkins 3

England (28) 61

Tries: Atkin-Davies, Kildunne 2, Brock, Matthews, Westcombe-Evans, Talling, Breach, Wyrwas Cons: Harrison 8

England wing Bo Westcombe-Evans scored on her debut as England started their WXV1 defence with a nine-try victory over the United States in Canada.

Despite a slow start, the Red Roses still managed four first-half tries, including a sensational solo effort from full-back Ellie Kildunne, who scored twice.

Victory also extends John Mitchell's side's winning run to 18 games.

Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies opened the scoring before Kildunne's wonder try, which was cancelled out by Alev Kelter's own individual score.

On her first Red Roses start, flanker Georgia Brock grabbed the Red Roses' third try, with Alex Matthews, in her first game as England captain, scoring the fourth.

At the start of the second half, Kelter got her second, but Westcombe-Evans' sharp finish in the corner put breathing space between the sides.

The United States refused to go away as captain Kate Zackary went over for her side's third try.

But JMitchell's side finished strongly through tries from Morwenna Talling, Jess Breach, Kildunne and replacement Ella Wyrwas.

England’s second game in WXV1 comes against New Zealand, who they defeated earlier this month at Allianz Stadium, next Sunday at 21:00 BST.

England, the world number one side, are heavy favourites to defend the inaugural title they won last year in New Zealand.

Head coach Mitchell used the game to rotate his squad after comfortable victories in WXV1 warm-up matches against France and world champions New Zealand.

It was a slow and error-filled start from both sides, before a clever line-out move led to Atkin-Davies scoring in the corner.

Mitchell decided to rest captain Marlie Packer and star wing Abby Dow for the opener, leaving it to Kildunne - another one of his regular top performers - to produce the required magic.

The full-back took the ball in her own half and weaved around a number of defenders, showing a clean pair of heels to finish.

But anything Kildunne can do, Kelter can do better. The United States centre regathered her own chip kick and stepped around a number of Red Roses to quickly respond.

After all that magic, Kelter then gifted England a third try, dropping the ball for flanker Brock to pounce for a first Test try, which was followed by a sharp finish from Matthews.

Ranked eighth in the world, the USA suffered heavy defeats by New Zealand and Canada in this year's Pacific Four Series and showed lessons had been learned from the loses, remaining competitive to score twice in the second half.

Debutant Westcombe-Evans remained a threat throughout the game and despite being touted for her attacking ability impressed also in defence.

Fly-half Zoe Harrison, who started the Rugby World Cup final defeat by the Black Ferns in 2022, was brought in to start only her second game for the Red Roses since recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. She kicked effortlessly from the tee - missing only one conversion.

Since her injury, England have struggled from the kicking tee, which may put pressure on regular starting fly-half Holly Aitchison, who struggled at times during the Six Nations.

Tougher tests are to come against the Black Ferns and hosts Canada, when Mitchell will likely bring back his main starters.

United States: Mataitoga; Emba, Henrich, Kelter, Thomas; Hawkins, Tukuafu; Rogers, Treder, Jacoby, Jarrell, Taufoou, Brody, Zackary (capt), Johnson.

Replacements: Stathopoulos, Benson, Sagapolu, Allen, Ehrecke, Pyrz, Fa'avesi, Feury.

England: Kildunne; Westcombe-Evans, Scarratt, Murray, Breach; Harrison, Packer; Carson, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Galligan, Ward, Talling, Brock, Matthews (capt).

Replacements: Cokayne, Clifford, Muir, Aldcroft, Feaunati, Wyrwas, Aitchison, Rowland.

Referee: Aurelie Groizeleau (Fra)