Celtic Challenge holders Wolfhounds opened their defence of the title with a commanding 34-7 win over Edinburgh at a wet Energia Park in Dublin.
The Irish side ran in six tries, setting the tone early and although the visitors enjoyed a decent spell before the break, the game was put beyond reach early in the second period
Wolfhounds, winners of the last two editions of the competition, made a fast start with front row Sophie Barrett driving over for a try which was converted by Dannah O’Brien with just three minutes on the clock.
Another of the Ulster contingent, India Daley was in at the corner soon after as the hosts built on their early advantage, but the Scottish side began to settle and enjoyed a period of possession.
However, the Wolfhounds had the greater cutting edge as O’Brien sent a pinpoint cross-field kick out to Maggie Boylan who scored the try in the corner, midway through the opening half.
Edinburgh continued to seek a way into the game and their persistence paid off with Cat Moody finding a way through to score a try which was converted by Lucy MacRae, narrowing the gap to 17-7 at the interval.
However, the Wolfhounds again made the better start upon the resumption and it was Barrett again with the touch down as she powered over under the posts for a converted try which sealed the bonus point.
Eve Higgins was next to cross, taking a quick tap penalty and racing along the wing and stretching for the score despite taking a high hit from Scarlett Haddow who was subsequently shown a yellow card.
It was a long way back for Edinburgh and the Wolfhounds were in no mood to offer any encouragement, dominating territory and possession. It took a while to translate into points, but Linda Djougang made the break in the final minutes to cap an impressive opening win.