Playing in the day's first match at the M&S Bank Arena, Australia beat South Africa 62-45, before hosts England saw off New Zealand 54-41 in the evening contest.

Despite ending up as comfortable winners Australia initially struggled in their match and the first quarter ended with South Africa up 16-11.

In an attempt to take the initiative, Australia made two changes in the second period by bringing on Jo Weston and Jamie-Lee Price for April Brandley and Gabi Simpson.

It appeared to work as when the half-time whistle blew they led by two at 27-25.

From that point their confidence, and subsequently their lead, only grew.

In the later game it was hosts England who scored first but after a slow start New Zealand did build into the match and the first quarter ended at 14-14.

It remained close in the second quarter too but while New Zealand challenged England they never managed to take the lead, with the score reading 25-24 at half time.

It was in the third quarter that England really began to take the initiative and they quickly racked up a six-goal lead at 32-26 before extending that to a 10-point advantage at 40-30 when the quarter ended.

With a lead that big going into the fourth it was unlikely they would lose, and while New Zealand pulled a few goals back early on in the quarter, England’s lead ended up being extended yet again.

In the next round of fixtures in a week’s time at London’s Copper Box Arena England will play South Africa and Australia will face New Zealand.

Liverpool is hosting this year's World Cup.