The Irish Women's team have made a winning start to their World Cup campaign.

They beat the USA by 23 - 17 in their Pool B opener in France.

First-half tries from Ailis Egan and Niamh Briggs proved vital for Philip Doyle's side, while Briggs also converted five of her six kicks at goal to add a further 13 points with the boot.

Earlier in Pool B, defending champions New Zealand hammered Kazakhstan 79 - 5 to claim a bonus point that keeps them ahead of Ireland in the group table.