Captain Rachel Taylor led from the front as Wales pulled off a shock Women's Six Nations win over world champions England at St Helens, Swansea, on Sunday.

The 31-year-old second row was a willing and effective ball carrier and tireless tackler throughout as Wales became the first team since Ireland two years ago to shut England out.

The 13-0 win in Swansea was only the second time Wales had beaten England and came about thanks to second-half tries from tight-head prop Catrin Edwards and winger Laurie Harries, who had earlier kicked the home side into a 3-0 interval lead.

"We knew they were there for the taking because of the changes that have gone on since they won the World Cup and, unlike in previous years, we were able to do something about it,” said Taylor.

Harries added: "The buzz within the Welsh camp for the past few weeks has been amazing and I don't think we have ever felt like this before. We had the belief that we could go out and beat the world champions and that's exactly what we did - it's the best feeling I have ever had."

England, who were missing 14 of their Women's Rugby World Cup-winning team due to retirements, injury and sevens commitments, had no complaints about the result at the final whistle.

Acting England coach Nicola Ponsford said: “We are really disappointed with result but the first thing I must say is full credit to Wales. That is one of the best Wales performances I have seen.”

Billes has red letter day

Julie Billes scored the first hat-trick in the RBS Women's Six Nations since Ireland’s Sophie Spence crossed the Scotland line three times in the opening game of last year’s event as France opened their title defence with a 42-0 win against Scotland at the Stade Henri Desgrange in La Roche-sur-yon.

Julie Duval and Jessy Tremoulière got the reigning champions off to a flying start with France’s first two tries. Billes then scored twice before the break and once after, before centres Celine Héguy and Elodie Poublan completed a routine win.

Scotland have now gone 241 minutes without scoring a point in the championship.

Briggs stars for Ireland

Tom Tierney began his reign in charge of Ireland with a comfortable 30-5 win against Italy in Florence on Friday.

Player-of-the-match Niamh Briggs converted her own try midway through the first half to hand Ireland a 7-0 lead at the break.

Having adapted to the windy conditions Ireland made a better fist of things in the second period and scored at regular intervals. Tries by Jenny Murphy and Fiona O’Brien were bookended by Paula Fitzpatrick’s brace, with newly-appointed captain Briggs adding a penalty.

Italy scored a consolation try in the final minute through replacement back Maria Magatti.

Ireland welcome France to Ashbourne on Friday before Scotland host Wales on Saturday and then England face Italy at the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.