This was a statement performance, from Meg Jones, from England and from the World Cup itself.
Much of the talk in the lead-up to this game had been of Jones’s opposite number Ilona Maher, rugby’s most followed player on social media. Yet the American was largely anonymous while Jones was involved in so much of what was good about England.
Yes, it was their forwards that ground down the United States with their dominance in the set-piece but it was Jones who shone on both sides of the ball. There were silky runs, deft passes, uncompromising tackles and even a key charge-down. And she showed her versatility by closing out the game at fly-half.
As for England, they certainly lived up to their tag of favourites. As well as overwhelming the US at the scrum and line-out – yes, their renowned driving maul was brought out, often as a result of the scrum penalties their pack earned – they also brought out their wide game. Ellie Kildunne combined beautifully with her two wingers and showed some brilliant individual touches.
There are undoubtedly things to work on – nerves likely led to a few dropped balls in the first half while they will need to tighten up their work at receiving restarts as they progress through the tournament – but it was a convincing start to this campaign for the world’s No 1 side. And they did it in front of a new record crowd for a Women’s World Cup match of 42,723.
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