POPPY Cleall had an eventual afternoon as England opened their Women's Rugby Super Series campaign with a bonus-point 38-5 victory over USA.

The Red Roses took an early lead when former Ellingham & Ringwood number eight Cleall gathered a loose ball and popped it off to Kelly Smith to stroll across the try-line.

Hope Rogers quickly hit back for the hosts in San Diego, only for Claudia Macdonald to put England back in front.

Emily Scarratt and Heather Kerr both also crossed before half-time, after which Cleall was sent to the sin-bin following a yellow card.

But England kept attacking with Kerr adding to the tally off a line-out.

Natasha Hunt completed the scoring as England sealed an 18th straight victory over USA.

England head coach Simon Middleton said: "It was a tough game, a very physical game which we expected.

"We couldn't quite get our attacking game going, but our set piece was really good at times.

"I thought the USA were outstanding for the first 10 or 15 minutes of the game in particular. They were very physical and came at us. "However, what we did do was defend outstandingly well. So attacking wise plenty to work on, but we really put in a great defensive shift."

He added: "It is a bonus-point win and it gets us up and running.

"Everyone has got some game time under the belt now and there is a bit more conditioning with the heat so we're really pleased with the overall outcome of the game."

England's next game is against Canada at the weekend before matches against France and New Zealand in the round robin competition.