Richmond's women got off to a winning start at the IRB Rugby World Cup in Canada as they helped both England and Scotland to two rounds of victories.

Second rows Jenny Lyne and Jenny Sutton and flanker Shannon Baker were part of the England teams who secured a hard fought 18-0 victory over the USA in the opening round of the competition before destroying South Africa 74-8 in round two.

Twickenham resident and veteran prop Vanessa Gray of Wasps was also in the starting line-up for both games.

Following the two victories on Thursday August 31 and Monday Septmber 4 respectively, head coach Geoff Richards reflected: "It's great to get another win under our belts. The girls are always looking for the perfect game and they kept going until that final whistle which is just great to see because every member of this squad is so professional."

Today England face old rivals France, who they beat 28-0 in this year's Six Nations, in a crucial match at 12am BST.

Meanwhile Richmond players Chris Ovenden, Erin Kerr, Claire Muir, Karen Findlay and Lisa O'Keefe helped Scotland to a 24-0 victory over Spain in their opening match on Friday August 31 - with a notable yellow card for Findlay in the 38th minute.

On Monday Scotland continued their successful run with a 32-17 victory over Kazakhstan - Ovenden touching down for her first try of the tournament.

But Scotland's biggest test comes today as they face favourites New Zealand at Ellerslie Rugby Park at 12am BST.