The host nation were in rampant form at the National Football Stadium as they completely overwhelmed their Pool C opponents.

David Mead scored three times and Rhyse Martin twice as Nene Macdonald, Kate Ottio, Wellington Albert, Justin Olam and Paul Aiton also crossed.

Regan Grace scored a late consolation try for Wales but they were unable to gain a first World Cup win since they overcame today's opponents in 2000.

Ireland also feature in a three-team group from which only one side will progress to the quarter-finals.

New Zealand, seeking a second title after their victory in 2008, also began well today before their home crowd.

They beat Samoa 38-8 in Pool B at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.

Jordan Rapana, Shaun Johnson, Brad Takairangi, Kodi Nikorima, Issac Liu, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Nelson Asofa-Solomona all scored for New Zealand. 

Ken Maumalo and Joseph Paulo managed two Samoan consolation strikes.

Fiji also thrashed United States 58-12 in Pool D at the Townsville Stadium. 

Taane Milne, Kevin Naigama and Suliasi Vunivalu all scored two tries each.

France are due play Lebanon in Group A in Canberra tomorrow.

Scotland will meet Tonga in Group B in Cairns.

Ireland will play Italy in an inter-group match in a match also due to take place in Cairns.