England's women's rugby team made a powerful statement in their opening match of the Rugby World Cup, defeating the United States with a staggering 69-7 victory. The match, held in Sunderland, saw an unprecedented attendance of 42,723 fans, setting a new record for a Women's Rugby World Cup game.

Match Highlights

• England's Scoring Spree: England secured 11 tries, with notable performances from Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, and Abby Dow. Kildunne celebrated her tries with her signature square-dance, a nod to her team's unique camaraderie.
• USA's Struggle: Despite their efforts, the USA team, ranked 10th globally, couldn't match England's pace and skill, especially as England's bench players made significant impacts.
• Historical Context: This match not only highlighted England's rugby prowess but also emphasized the growing popularity of women's rugby, as the attendance surpassed the previous record set during the 2022 final at Eden Park.

Looking Ahead

England's performance has solidified their status as tournament favorites, especially after their past six finals' outcomes. The team's blend of experienced players and dynamic newcomers suggests a promising path ahead in the tournament.

Teams

• England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews.
• USA: Sharp; Henrich, Maher, Kelter, Mataitoga; Hawkins, Ortiz; Rogers, Treder, Sagapolu, Brody, Jarrell-Searcy, Zackary, Perris-Redding, Johnson.

This match not only entertained but also set a high bar for the competition, promising more thrilling rugby action as the tournament progresses.