A powerful performance by a new-look England women’s side saw them run in eleven tries to defeat Wales 62-0 at the Lextan Gnoll, Neath. Four of their six debutants were on the scoresheet, player of the match, Wigan teenager Isabel Rowe, landing 22 points from a try and nine goals.

This fixture is really important,” said England women’s head coach Stuart Barrow. “Wales were really good, and it gave me the opportunity to give out more caps who all performed well, while the leadership of Jodie Cunningham was really important. Our player pool is developing and competition is getting better. Our aim is to close the gap before the World Cup.”

The visitors, rebuilding after their shellacking against the Jillaroos in Las Vegas in March, led 22-0 at the break, first time starters Jenna Foubister – from a kick by Rowe, Molly Jones and Leeds’s Lucy Murray among their try scorers.

Another debutant, Eva Hunter crossed twice in the second period as England’s superior fitness told late on, all their player coming from Super League. Anna Davies - who scored five times when England earned their biggest-ever win against Wales at Headingley last November - also crossed twice, Bella Sykes going over for her first try in the national colours.

“I probably wasn't the happiest with my performance the first half, but for the second I just told myself to enjoy it. I'm playing with some amazing girls so that made my job really easy,” said 18-year-old Rowe. “Everyone wants to play in a World Cup for England, there's a lot of competition and I'm really looking forward to doing all that I can to get on that plane.”

Wales, who beat Scotland the week before, showed distinct improvement from their last time out against England as they build for appearing in their first Women’s World Cup next year, going close on a number of occasions, Charlie Munday with their best chance, just halted by a fine try saving tackle from Grace Banks.

Wales women’s head coach, Tom Brindle, commented: “Our metric wasn’t the scoreline, we set some challenges on ourselves and part of that was we wanted to own our version of that game and I think we did, we competed for as long as we could, the effort and commitment for the badge never faltered.

“We've learned a lot and got to get fitter, faster, stronger, but where we are at the moment, they've done everything to their absolute maximum. I can't ask for more.”