Marlie Packer scored four tries as England's Red Roses secured a dominant 61-33 victory over Italy in Parma on Saturday, keeping their Guinness Women's Six Nations Grand Slam hopes alive. The win, played in front of a lively crowd, sets up a title decider against France next weekend.
England started at blistering pace, going 26-0 up inside the opening 14 minutes. Tries came from Packer (two in that period), hooker Amy Cokayne (two from rolling mauls), centre Helena Rowland, and winger Mia Venner. Fly-half Zoe Harrison converted four of those early scores to establish a commanding lead.
Italy responded with tries of their own—hooker Vittoria Vecchini, a penalty try awarded when England's Ellie Kildunne was sin-binned for an intentional knock-on, and flanker Alissa Ranuccini—to cut the deficit to 40-19 by halftime. But the Red Roses reasserted control in the second half, with No.8 Abi Burton and Packer (another two, including a magnificent solo effort) extending the lead.
Packer's fourth try—a brilliant finish past several defenders—highlighted her enduring quality. The 36-year-old back-row, who had been out of the starting lineup for a period, was named player of the match. "It's about going to stadiums and making memories when you wear this shirt," she said in her post-match interview. "I'm just enjoying it. There's no pressure."
Italy earned a try bonus point with replacement Francesca Sgorbini scoring twice late on, including on the stroke of full-time. However, England's overall superiority was never in doubt. Harrison kicked eight conversions from nine attempts, finishing with 16 points.
The victory means England have won all four matches so far, with the Grand Slam on the line against France in Bordeaux. "We've got France in a Six Nations Grand Slam title decider," Packer added. "It's going to be a tough week, but we look forward to Bordeaux."
England were forced into a late change as back-row Maddie Feaunati was ruled out due to injury, but the squad's depth shone through. The Red Roses will now prepare for the biggest test of their campaign as they seek a clean sweep.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.