Black Ferns roll Canada in World Cup opener

New Zealand's defence of their women's Rugby World Cup crown started in emphatic fashion in Canada today as the Black Ferns trounced the tournament hosts 66-7 in Edmonton.

New Zealand, in just their first competitive outing since a 2-0 test series defeat of England at home in October, underlined their favouritism for a third successive title with a crushing 10-tries to one victory.

Otago wing Claire Richardson bagged a hattrick, opening the floodgates as early as the first minute when she strolled over in the right hand corner.

Left wing Stephanie Mortimer added New Zealand's second five minutes later when the Black Ferns expansive approach reaped immediate rewards.

New Zealand were an ever-present threat with ball in hand as 42-year-old pivot Anna Richards had the back division functioning smoothly.

Fullback Amiria Marsh made giant strides from the back, instigating several tries before adding to the carnage in the 66th minute with a weaving 70-metre surge to the line.

The Cantabrian's score posted the Black Ferns half century and the No.1 seeds showed no let up as Fiao'o Fa'amausili and impressive centre Huriana Manuel scored in the dying stages to boost New Zealand's points differential.

While the backs understandably dominated the tryfest, blindside Melissa Ruscoe bagged a double including a smart 18th minute effort from a 5-metre scrum.

Ruscoe temporarily took over the halfback duties from Emma Jensen and powered over after No 8 Linda Itunu peeled off the back of the set piece.

Canadian halfback Julia Suguwara provided the hosts' only highlight four minutes from the interval when she dummied from a scrum 40m out, cleverly chipped to the in goal and beat three defenders to the touchdown.

New Zealand's next match is against Samoa on Tuesday (NZT).

New Zealand 66 (Claire Richardson 3, Melissa Ruscoe 2, Stephanie Mortimer, Diane Maliukaetau, Amiria Marsh, Fiao'o Fa'amausili, Huriana Manuel tries; Emma Jensen 4 con; Ruscoe con, Hannah Myers 3 con)

Canada 7 (Julia Suguwara try; Kelly McCallum con).

Halftime: 24-7

- NZPA