England are ranked 3rd in the world

Jamaica, ranked fourth in the world, are expected to challenge reigning champions Australia, and New Zealand for the overall title.

Their credentials will be tested when they face the Australians on Wednesday.

The world's top eight nations have already been drawn into two groups and four more nations have now qualified for the main draw.

Scotland were unable to follow an opening win over Hong Kong with another victory, being beaten 44-33 by Barbados.

Samoa had an easy 61-33 win over Sri Lanka, the United States were comfortable victors over St Vincent, while Niue edged Grenada 44-42.

Samoa and the USA join Australia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa in group A.

Niue and Barbados go into England's group along with New Zealand, Fiji and the Cook Islands.

Scotland and the other nations who missed out on qualification go into a secondary competition playing for places 13-24.

Results

Barbados 44-33 Scotland
Samoa 61-33 Sri Lanka
Niue 44-42 Grenada
United States 46-33 St Vincent
Jamaica 89-30 Trinidad and Tobago