Boyd and Davies Hat-Tricks Power England Women to 70-6 Rout of Wales in World Cup Opener

England's women launched their Rugby League World Cup bid in emphatic fashion, piling up 13 tries in a 70-6 demolition of Wales in their Group A opener at HBF Park in Perth.

Debutant Connie Boyd enjoyed a dream first cap, the Women's Super League Young Player of the Year crossing three times, while winger Anna Davies matched her with a hat-trick of her own. Five-eighth Isabel Rowe was the metronome, scoring two tries and landing nine conversions for 26 points — equalling the record for the most points by an England women's player in an international match.

England struck inside the opening minutes through Amelia Brown, and Wales briefly dared to dream when Paige Travis barged over for the nation's first-ever try at a Women's World Cup to level the scores. But the response was ruthless: seven tries before the break made it 40-6 at half-time, and there was no mercy after the restart.

The moment of the tournament so far belonged to Brown, who scooped a bouncing ball in her own in-goal and raced 109 metres to score a stunning solo try. Jasmin Strange, Georgia Wilson and Hollie-Mae Dodd also crossed in a relentless second half.

The win sets up a blockbuster Pool A showdown with Australia next Saturday in Perth, with the winner taking a major step toward the semi-finals.