England begin WXV1 defence with nine-try win over USA

Full-back Ellie Kildunne was a constant threat throughout the game

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

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.

The victory also extends John Mitchell's side's winning run to 18 games as they look to build maximum momentum going into next summer's home World Cup.

Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies opened the scoring and Kildunne touched down her wonder try before Alev Kelter responded for the USA.

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 young winger 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 Mitchell's side finished strongly with scores for Morwenna Talling, Jess Breach, Kildunne and replacement Ella Wyrwas.

Inside centre Phoebe Murray - like Westcombe-Evans - performed "extremely well" on her debut, according to Mitchell.

"They both [Murray and Westcombe-Evans] just need to continue backing themselves, it is hard coming into a team and having a sense of belonging straight away," Mitchell said.

"Georgia Brock as well in her first start had 22 tackles and 15 carries. Outstanding performance."

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.

Rusty Red Roses finish strong

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 this game in Vancouver to rotate his squad after comfortable victories in WXV1 warm-up matches against France and the world champion Black Ferns.

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 dazzle, 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 losses, remaining competitive to score twice in the second half.

But just as the USA got within a couple of scores of the lead England clicked into the gear many fans were expecting to see, delivering a final barrage of attacks that comprehensively settled the contest.

Westcombe-Evans, 22, remained a threat throughout and impressed in defence, to go alongside the attacking ability that earned her a shot in the XV.

Harrison 'looked really on it'

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 for the posts effortlessly - missing only one conversion of the nine.

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

"I thought Zoe played really well," Mitchell said.

"She looked really decisive today and looked really on it and made some good decisions in finding kick space.

"She stayed in the attacking plan really well and she got challenged defensively.

"She did some superb work chop-tackling. She is starting to progress in terms of how we are wanting to play the game.

"She has a skillset that is a huge strength for us."

Tougher tests are to come against New Zealand and hosts Canada, when Mitchell will likely bring back plenty of his first-choice starters.

Line-ups

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)