Packer leads England to big win

While the win marks 37 consecutive Test victories for the Red Roses, John Mitchell’s side were made to work for it by a defiant Italian team that managed to breach the world champions' line five times.

The result sets up a mouth-watering Grand Slam decider against France in Bordeaux next weekend. However, while England’s attack was clinical—securing a bonus point in just 15 minutes - their defensive lapses in around the ruck will provide plenty of footage for the Monday review.

FIRST-HALF BLITZ

England’s start was nothing short of decisive After Marlie Packer opened the scoring in the fourth minute via a clever Zoe Harrison chip, the floodgates opened. Amy Cokayne rumbled over from a maul, and Helena Rowland celebrated her 50th cap with a try of her own, following a lung-bursting chase from Ellie Kildunne. When Mia Venner carved through the Italian midfield for the fourth try after just a quarter of an hour, a rout seemed certain.

But Italy refused to play the role of the sacrificial lamb. Hooker Vittoria Vecchini ignited the home crowd with a maul try, and momentum shifted further when Kildunne was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on, resulting in a penalty try. While Packer and Cokayne added their seconds before the break, a late Alissa Ranuccini strike ensured Italy went into the sheds with three tries and a glimmer of hope.

PACKER POWERS ON

The second half began with England exerting set-piece dominance. Number eight Abi Burton benefited from a monstrous scrum to dot down, before a flurry of substitutions saw the likes of Sarah Bern and debutant Haidee Head enter the fray.

The afternoon, however, belonged to Marlie Packer completed her hat-trick in the 52nd minute, supporting a Mia Venner break, and then added a stunning fourth by rampaging through multiple Italian defenders from the edge of the 22. Her performance - nearly 100 metres made alongside her four scores - rightfully earned her the Guinness Player of the Match honours.

ITALIAN DEFIANCE

Despite the mounting scoreline, Italy’s tenacity was rewarded with a try-scoring bonus point of their own. Francesca Sgorbini, introduced from the bench, exploited a gap in England’s defence to score from close range. Sgorbini would repeat the feat in the final act of the game, breaking away from a late maul to score her second and Italy’s fifth.

England also handed a senior debut to Christiana Balogun, a late addition to the bench following an injury to Maddie Feaunati, as they navigated the closing stages in the sweltering Italian heat.

SUPER SUNDAY AWAITS

While the 33 points conceded will be cause for frustration for Mitchell, the Red Roses' offensive firepower remains peerless. They head to Bordeaux with momentum and, in Packer, a veteran in the form of her life, seeking to secure yet another Grand Slam in what promises to be a titanic encounter with the French.

FINAL SCORE: ITALY 33 - 61 ENGLAND

Italy - Tries: Vecchini (19'), Penalty Try (29'), Ranuccini (35'), Sgorbini (55', 80') Cons: Madia (36', 56', 80')

England - Tries: M. Packer (4', 33', 52', 62'), Cokayne (8', 22'), Rowland (12'), Venner (14'), Burton (49'), Balogun (72') Cons: Harrison (5', 9', 13', 23', 34', 50', 53', 63')

Guinness Player of the Match: Marlie Packer (England)