A new stage, new levels of interest, but on the opening night of a World Cup that may transform women’s rugby, it was the same old Red Roses. It is hoped that this record-breaking tournament will turn England’s dominant women’s rugby side into household names, particularly if it results in home triumph in late September – and for the uninitiated, this was a perfect demonstration of why the hosts are such strong favourites. An imperfect first half performance – the Red Roses were overly ambitious at times and overly disorganised at others – gave way to a scintillating second half as England powered over, away from and eventually out of sight of an overmatched United States.
The result – as will be the case for England until the semi-final stage – was never really in doubt, as talented and experienced as many in the USA ranks are. Right now, though, they are simply at a different stage to their opening-night opponents; there is no shame in losing heavily to England, because almost everyone else tends to, too. Their bigger battles are to come later in the Pool A itinerary, the clash with Australia in York next weekend likely key in determining which of the pair joins the Red Roses in reaching the last eight.
