CATHERINE Spencer – the former Folkestone ladies captain – led England to a 27-0 win over Ireland in their opening group game of the Women's Rugby World Cup at the Surrey Sports Club, Guildford on Friday.

But Spence was rested for Tuesday's game against comparative minnows Kazakhstan one of head coach Gary Street's 12 changes to the starting line-up.

Speaking after the win over Ireland, Catherine said: "I'm really pleased to have come through the game and to have got the bonus point which was really important for us.

"Obviously the first job was to win, which we did. It was a really tough game – I think that's the toughest Irish team I've ever played against, and I've played them many times now.

"We knew it was going to be hard and they really came at us, but our defence held firm.

But the big Number Eight forward, who now plays National League Rugby for Bristol, admitted: "I'm absolutely shattered – I have to be honest.

"There's been such a big build up to this game. It was a bit jittery to start with, but we played our way into the game and it's a big relief to get through it with the bonus point."