England scored nine tries as they began their WXV 1 defence with a 61-21 win over the United States in Vancouver.

The Red Roses, the world No 1 team, took a while to get going at BC Place Stadium, before running in four tries in the first half, with two for full-back Ellie Kildunne.

USA dug in with captain Kate Zackary scoring their third try during the second half before England finished strongly to run out comfortable winners, as winger Bo Westcombe-Evans marked her debut with a try and Zoe Harrison kicked 16 points.

England hooker Lark Atkin-Davies had powered over following a line-out in the 11th minute and soon crossed again as Kildunne drove forwards from inside her own half to touch down under the posts.

The Americans were rewarded for a positive spell on the half-hour mark when Alev Kelter collected her own kick before ducking right and dashing clear.

England restored their dominance with two tries in the space of five minutes before half-time through Georgia Brock and captain Alex Matthews.

USA centre Kelter charged through for her second try after the interval but England responded through Westcombe-Evans. Again the US responded, this time through skipper Zackary, but John Mitchell’s side then stepped things up another gear as flanker Morwenna Talling went over for England’s sixth try, before Jess Breach, Kildunne and replacement Ella Wyrwas also touched down.