New Zealand overcame Scotland 74-44 in the opening match at The Hydro, despite a boisterous crowd roaring on the host nation.

The world No.2-ranked Silver Ferns controlled things on court, as goal shooter Grace Nweke delivered 29 of the Kiwis' 35 first-half goals on her 50th international appearance before being rested for the remainder of the match.

“As a group I’m really proud of being able to rotate through our entire team, see some players really shine out there”, Nweke said.

“Our defenders were having a blinder and in attack we were really able to show the depth of our combinations, so there’s a lot to take away from this game. I’m excited about what’s to come.”

Despite the defeat, being part of the tournament’s opener was an emotional occasion for the Scottish Thistles.

“There’s been tears of pride in the changing room," capatain Emily Nicholl said.

"As a team we always sing the anthem privately, that’s a really cool moment to be able to lock eyes with your team-mate and know that you’ve got each other’s back.

"I’m really pleased with the combinations we got out there, some of the speed we played with and our relentless defence.”

Reigning champions and world No.1 Australia posted the highest score of the day as they overcame Tonga 99-38 in a clinical attacking display.

Moving the ball at speed with brilliant handling, the Australian Diamonds proved too much for a Tongan team making their Commonwealth Games debut. Sophie Garbin and Cara Koenen scored 31 goals apiece for Australia.

For Tonga captain Hulita Veve, their flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, there was still plenty to be proud of.

“Coming up against the world’s best, it was always going to be a tough battle but we kept the vibes high," Veve said.

"We had to get those nerves out. This stadium is huge and it also gives us a bit of butterflies but it’s incredible to be in Glasgow playing at this centre.

"We’ll keep our heads high and know we can bring it to some of the other teams.”

The afternoon session began with Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games champions England beating Northern Ireland 83-34.

After a tight point-for-point opening to the game England moved from 6-5 up to lead 24-7 by the end of the first quarter, and then 41-18 at half-time.

Goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell then came on and scored 36 of their last 42 goals to cement the win.             

“It’s just confidence in each other”, Cardwell said. “Me and Ella (Clark, goal attack) played with each other at the start of the England Roses programme, we’re both really tall so that’s a huge positive in our combinations.

"It was really fluid, they were finding me really well, it was a whole team effort to get to that score today.”

The game also featured the return of 37-year-old Lisa Bowman to international Netball with Northern Ireland after eight years away since the Gold Coast 2018.

“I was extremely nervous but once I got that first shot under me it settled all those nerves," Bowman said.

"I’m just honoured and privileged to be back playing at this level. Initially it was an injury and then life got busy. I missed the girls, I missed the buzz of being in this environment.”

Wales and Uganda contested the tightest game of the day, the former coming from a narrow first-quarter deficit to lead at half-time. Uganda took back the initiative in quarter three and built their advantage in the final 15 minutes to record a 59-50 win.

“That will be the first and last time we let teams back in when we’ve worked so hard to pull a lead," Wales' Georgia Rowe said.

"Maybe we just got a little narrow-visioned. When you’re up by three against Uganda we would’ve been really proud of that, that’s not the time then to start giving 50-50 balls so it’s just making sure we’re really disciplined in critical times.”   

In the evening session, Jamaica overpowered Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago 81-22, while South Africa beat Malawi 65-44 to bring day one of competition to a close.

For the schedule and results for Netball, presented by Ideagen, click here