The Belgian side, who enjoyed a surprise run to the final at last year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, proved far too strong for their Egyptian opponents in their Pool B clash at the University of the Witwatersrand.

The writing was on the wall for Egypt as early as the third minute when Thomas Briels opened the scoring, before Tom Boon's penalty corner doubled their advantage shortly after.

Goals from Emmanuel Stockbroekx and Amaury Keusters in the space of 60 seconds gave Belgium a 4-0 lead before the game was 10 minutes old.

Nicolas de Kerpel made it 5-0 after 23 minutes and Loick Luypaert quickly added a sixth.

Cedric Charlier and Sebastian Dockier both found the net to extend Belgium's lead to 8-0, before Boon and Briels both got their second of the match to complete the rout for Belgium.

Ireland also began their Pool B campaign with a win as they beat hosts South Africa 2-0.

New Zealand were held to a frustrating 3-3 draw by France in Pool A.

Stephen Jenness put New Zealand in front in the third minute but goals from Etienne Tynevez and Francois Goyet turned the contest on its head.

Hugo Inglis then scored twice to give the Black Sticks a 3-2 advantage but France restored parity through Pieter van Straaten to salvage a point for the European side.

In the other Pool A match to take place today, Spain, ranked at number 10 in the world, edged Japan 2-1.

The Spaniards had to come from behind, however, as Shota Yamota broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark.

Josep Romeu equalised and Alvaro Iglesias scored a late winner to ensure Spain began with a victory.

Action in the women's event resumes tomorrow as Olympic bronze medallists Germany take on Ireland and England make their bow at the competition against Poland in Pool A.

In Pool B, Argentina play Chile and the United States entertain India.