England's women's rugby league team delivered a commanding performance, defeating World Cup debutants Wales 70-6 in their Group A opener in Perth. The English side scored seven tries before the break and 13 in total on their way to a comprehensive victory.
Wales initially sparked celebrations when Paige Travis scored, levelling the match inside the opening 10 minutes after capitalising on English errors. However, England, aiming for their first World Cup final, responded with renewed focus.
Hat-tricks from wing Anna Davies and debutant Connie Boyd spearheaded England's attack. Izzy Rowe also contributed significantly, scoring two tries and kicking nine conversions for 26 points, which equalled the record for the most points by an individual England player in a Women's World Cup match.
Amelia Brown scored England's opener, and later, after a Welsh attack, raced 109 metres to score one of the longest-range tries in women's rugby league history. Hollie-Mae Dodd, Georgia Wilson, and Jasmin Strange also crossed the try line for England.