World Cup overnight: Spain, England open wheelchair tournament with wins

Recap

Spain opened Wheelchair World Cup tournament with an upset win over Ireland, running out 55-32 victors in their opening match in London.

Despite being the lowest ranked nation on the Group A side of the draw, Spain quickly built an early lead over the No.4 ranked side in the world — controlling their 30-10 half-time lead to run out comfortable winners in the end.

Spain finished the match with a completion rate (17 from 40 sets) far inferior to that of their opponents (30 from 41 sets), but with 14 linebreaks to four, simply had too much attacking nous for Ireland to set up the 17-point win.

David Berty scored a hat-trick for Spain, while Yannick Martin and Theo Gonzalez both recorded doubles — the latter named as the Player the Match with a total of 27 points after scoring nine conversions and a field goal along with his two tries.

Peter Johnston Jnr was the standout in a losing side for Ireland, scoring 24 of his team's 32 points with four tries and four goals.

What the result means

Group A could become the most competitive of them all with the lowest ranking side in the group recording a big first-up win. Suddenly, Ireland are in a tricky position to qualify for the semifinals, and face a must-win clash against Australia next week.

Recap

England overcame a slow start to down Australia in their opening match, with the tournament heavyweights showing their class to emerge with an 38-8 win.

Put under pressure early by the Wheelaroos, England fell behind in the opening minutes after Diab Karim's effort but quickly found their attacking rhythm, with Jack Brown sparking the hosts to life with a two tries and a hand in several others to give his side a commanding 26-6 lead at the break.

Denied a try through captain Brad Grove, ill-discipline continued to plague the Wheelaroos throughout the second half while England made the most of their opportunities in attack to extend their lead further with tries to Lewis King and Nathan Collins' second of the day to emerge with a 30-point win.

What the result means

Australia's World Cup campaign could all hinge on their next-up clash against Ireland with both sides coming into next week's game without a win. England will take on Spain, with the winner all but booking their place in the semi-finals.