England weathered some early pressure by the USA to run away with the opener in the Women's Super Series, while the Black Ferns held off a determined Canada on Friday in San Diego.

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England Unrelenting

England opened the scoring early with their vaunted kicking game boosted by the wind. Amber Reed sent a kick across the field that Poppy Cleall gathered allowing her to set up Kelly Smith.

The Eagles replied with a long period camped out in the England 22 and eventually Hope Rogers crashed over to make it 7-5 England.

But that was as close as the USA got. Scrumhalf Claudia Macdonald’s scampered in from ten meters out, and then Emily Scarratt intercepted a USA pass and was in under the posts.

Despite some penalty trouble and a yellow card, England was on the front foot much of the first half and hooker Heather Kerr's close-range try made it 26-5 at the break.

The Eagles had possession and little periods of impressive play, but they committed far, far too many turnovers, especially knocking the ball on.

The second half saw the Americans charge out with some aggression and while they didn't score, they held England to just two more tries. Still, it was a bonus-point win for the Red Roses, and a good start for England in a tournament that they can win.

England 38
Tries: Smith, McDonald, Scarrett, Kerr 2, Hunt
Convs: Scarratt 4

USA 5
Tries: Rogers

Black Ferns Pull Away Late

The Black Ferns are the other favorite in this competition, and New Zealand had a tough time shaking a physical Canadian side.

New Zealand scored relatively early with a nice drive off the lineout getting them close before lock Eloise Blackwell picked up and was over. 

Canada replied, winning a scrum against the head that allowed No. 8 Gabrielle Senft to charge ahead and feed wing Elissa Alarie for a superb try.

Back came the Black Ferns. fullback Selica Winiata and wing Renee Wickliffe got them moving and then the ball was shipping out to Charmaine McMenamin, who powered through and set the platform for Carla Hohepa to score.