The Australian women's rugby team kicked off its World Cup campaign with a 26-12 victory over Wales in Guilford, England on Friday.

The Wallaroos took the first step in their bid to unite the womens' Sevens and Rugby World Cups with a four-tries-to-two victory.

Winger Nicole Beck scored Australia's first try in the sixth minute and finished with a game-high 11 points after adding three conversions.

Centre Sharni Williams and Cobie-Jane Morgan also crossed to send Australia to the break with a commanding 21-0 lead.

Wales were awarded a penalty try in the 44th minute and Australia were reduced to 13 players early in the second stanza with both halfback Iliseva Batbasaga and prop Caroline Vakalahi sent to the bin within two minutes of each other.

But despite another late try the Welsh couldn't profit from Australia's ill-discipline, with Tricia Brown sealing the win when she scored in the last minute.

Wallaroos coach John Manenti was delighted with his team's first-up performance.

"We've got to win every game to give ourselves the chance of winning the World Cup and we did that today. It's a great way to start," Manenti said.

Australia will on Tuesday face defending champions New Zealand, who thrashed South Africa 55-3 in their opening match.

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