Claudia Moloney-MacDonald stars with four tries as England beat Eagles

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald ran in four tries as England bounced back from their successive defeats to Canada by thrashing the United States 55-12.

The Red Roses ended the WXV Global Series with a nine-try demolition in Harrison, New Jersey, with wing Moloney-MacDonald leading the way.

Reeling from consecutive losses for the first time in a decade, head coach John Mitchell made six changes including keeping star player Ellie Kildunne on the bench until her appearance in the 61st minute.

England looked more like the side which built the 41-Test unbeaten run that came to an end in Toronto a fortnight ago as they made a brisk start with Moloney-MacDonald crossing in the fifth minute.

Another routine finish for the left wing powered the world champions further ahead and then captain Meg Jones went over after taking a pass out of the tackle from Emma Sing.

Moloney-MacDonald completed a hat-trick of run-ins after the USA defence had been scattered by marauding runs from props Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir.

Her easiest finish of the four tries arrived in the 50th minute when England exploited a huge overlap through long passes.

The USA refused to throw in the towel despite the blizzard of points coming against them with Alev Kelter’s giant hit on Jones lifting her teammates and rousing the crowd.

However, England smelt blood with Mo Hunt making a blindside dart before the ball was threaded right where wing Mia Venner strolled over before Bryony Field completed a maul try.

Maddie Feaunati charged through a gap created by the power of the Red Roses’ maul and the pack also had the final say when Sadia Kabeya muscled over.