EMMA Croker wife of the former Basingstoke RFC director of rugby, James Croker, was part of the England team, which ran in 10 tries to open their World Cup campaign in Paris with a 65-3 victory over Samoa.

The Red Roses always dominated after Soteria Pulumu was dismissed early in the contest.

Centre Emily Scarratt led the scoring as she kicked 15 points and scored one try.

There were also two tries each for wingers Katherine Merchant and Lidia Thompson, scrum-half Natasha Hunt and replacement Kay Wilson, while La Toya Mason also went over.

England face Spain in their next Pool A match tomorrow (kick-off 2.45pm) they were beaten by Canada 31-7 in their first game in the tournament.