England 56-5 Spain
England laid out a big statement of intent with a 10-try, 56-5 demolition of Spain to launch their Women's Rugby World Cup title defence.
Wing Kay Wilson ran in four tries as the reigning world champions opened their bid to retain the crown in ominous fashion in Dublin.
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England got the ball rolling in the first minute, with Megan Jones crossing - and Wilson had completed her hat-trick in 31 minutes.
Emily Scarratt, Harriet Millar-Mills, Alex Matthews, Amy Cockayne and Lydia Thompson all dotted down to complete a comprehensive victory over the world's eighth-ranked Test side.
Diana Gasso claimed Spain's sole score as England flexed their muscles in style.
England captain Sarah Hunter admitted the 2014 tournament winners were delighted to kick-start their campaign.
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"We're happy to get a win under our belts," Hunter told ITV.
"It's job one done. There's plenty for us to improve for our next game.
"Spain came at us and gave us some problems at times. It's pleasing to get that run out and get that training on the pitch."
England's potent win hands boss Simon Middleton's side the immediate edge in Pool B, with clashes against Italy and the USA still to come.
Hunter insisted England will not get carried away with their fast start however, with the Italians up next on Sunday in Dublin.
England were able to mix up their play between a tight forward-based game, and a more fluid, width-centric approach.
That flexibility will doubtless leave future opponents guessing on quite how England will focus their tactics.
"Since we've arrived here, our focus has been on us and we've not taken on the external pressure. It's one job at a time," said Hunter.
"At times we did OK but we have to go away and work on some aspects. In tournament rugby you have to win every game in front of you."
Wales 12-44 New Zealand
Wales were overrun 44-12 by New Zealand to launch their World Cup campaign in the perfect way by scoring eight tries at Billings Park.
Full-back Selica Winiata spearheaded the assault with a hat-trick of tries and wing Renee Wickliffe ran in two as New Zealand's back three ran riot.
Wales' best asset was their pack and level of commitment and in the second half they were at least able to score tries through Sioned Harries and Mel Clay.
However, the defeat means Rowland Phillips' team must prevail against Canada on Sunday if they are to progress to the semi-finals.
Wing Portia Woodman's scorching break that was finished by Winiata began the rout before centre Stacey Waaka ran in a simple finish following a sweeping team move.
The Black Ferns were giving a lesson in the art of finishing as captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili made the initial inroads for Wickliffe to score before the wing added a long-range intercept for her second.
New Zealand led 20-0 at half-time and were already out of sight even before Woodman gathered Kelly Brazier's hack on to score and shortly after second row Eloise Blackwell crashed over.
Wales finally made an indent on the scoreboard when Harries was able to use her strength to power over from a line-out and Winiata and Clay went on to swap tries in a lively second half.
Winiata then completed her hat-trick as the Black Ferns sounded an ominous warning to their World Cup rivals