On 10 August England played their first game of the tournament against Spain and ran in ten tries, including a hat-trick to Kay Wilson, to record a 56–5 victory.

[5] New Zealand played Wales the same day and led 20–0 at half time before extending the final margin to 44–12, with Selica Winiata scoring a hat-trick of her own.

[12] Assistant referees:[14] Hollie Davidson (Scotland) Graham Cooper (Australia) Television match official:[14] Simon McDowell (Ireland) England won the battle up front in the first half, holding onto possession and keeping New Zealand inside their 22 for most of it.

Emily Scarratt, who was playing at fullback instead of in her regular center spot, responded by making a break into New Zealand's 22 and then scored a penalty from a resulting dangerous tackle.

[3] In the 20th minute New Zealand's Sarah Goss was sin-binned for a tip tackle on Katy McLean and England nearly scored only for Alex Matthews to be held up over the tryline.

Just before half time New Zealand finally secured enough possession to string together some attacking phases, allowing prop Toka Natua to score.

After being awarded a penalty early, they chose to kick to the corner and from the resulting lineout, Subritzky-Nafatali helped set up Natua's second try of the evening.

With four minutes remaining Lesley Ketu was sin binned helping Izzy Noel-Smith score a consolation try for England near the end.