England’s Red Roses recorded a resounding 61-33 victory in the Women’s Six Nations round four against Italy in Parma, with Marley Packer scoring four tries and staying on course for another Grand Slam.
John Mitchell’s onslaught led them to a 26-0 lead in just 14 minutes, and Italy narrowed the gap to 40-19, but the Red Roses regained their momentum in the second half.
Back-rower Packer looked set to end his England career after a lengthy absence from the team, but he showed that his talent and skill are undiminished at the age of 36.
Hooker Amy Cockayne (two), center Helena Rowland, winger Mia Venner and number eight Abi Barton scored a further try for England in addition to Packers’ four, while flyhalf Zoe Harrison again kicked sensationally off the tee and added eight conversions from nine.
After an embarrassing start, Italy bounced back in the contest and finished the test with a try bonus point.
Hooker Vittoria Becchini, openside flanker Alyssa Ranuccini, back-row Francesca Sgorvini (two) and England’s Ellie Kildon scored five tries by the end, with a penalty try sin-binned (an intentional knock-on as the last defender).
Injury-hit England were forced to make last-minute substitutions with back-rower Maddy Faunaty ruled out, but it took just four minutes for Packer to touch down Harrison’s deft kick into space to break the deadlock.
Cockayne got the first of the double five minutes later, both with rolling maul drives, before Rowland found a gap and chased hard.
England hooker Amy Cockayne scores two tries as Red Roses’ rolling maul proves unstoppable
It looked like Italy were in for a long afternoon when Wenner scored the visitors’ fourth try in the 14th minute to put England 26-0 up, but they answered.
Three minutes later, Becchini put Italy ahead with a maul try of his own, and following a penalty try for the hosts, Ranuccini scored on a break from loosehead prop Silvia Turani.
Packer grabbed his second goal at that point and Barton got England back on track after half-time.
Following this score, Packer scored two more tries, with Harrison scoring a nice finish past several defenders, and Harrison added another to take the score to 16, but Italian substitute Sgorbini scored in the 56th minute and then grabbed another at full-time to help the hosts win the final quarter.
Packer: I took advantage of the opportunity – I’m looking forward to Bordeaux!
England’s best player Murray Packer told BBC Sport:
“It was great to be back here two years after winning my 100th cap.
“Wearing this shirt and going to the stadium makes memories, and today was one of those occasions.
“Hats off to the pack. They were unbelievable today. We’ve worked hard on our set pieces all week. Amy Cockayne and I were lucky to get the ball in, but it’s all down to their hard work.”
“I’m just having fun. I’ve got a smile on my face and I’m playing well. In the past few years, I’ve been getting praise from Sadia (Kabetani) for playing fair, but now I’m getting a chance and I’m enjoying it.”
Packer looked to be in top form after his performance in Parma.
“There’s no pressure…I’m here to support the leadership group, be part of the Red Roses and make every game enjoyable.
Regarding next week’s match against France, he said: “Let’s bounce back from this, but let’s have fun. We’re playing in the Six Nations Grand Slam championship against France. It’s going to be a tough week, but we’re looking forward to the game against Bordeaux.”
France defeats Scotland to set up Grand Slam championship match
Later on Saturday, France maintained their perfect bonus point record in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations with a second-half score to beat Scotland 69-28 at Hibs Stadium.
The victory secures a winner-take-all showdown with England in Bordeaux next weekend, but France’s celebrations will be tempered by an injury to star lock Siobhan Soqueta.
Although the final scoreline reflected France’s clinical superiority, the Edinburgh crowd delighted in a high-scoring display in which Scotland showed character to earn four tries and bonus points against the most despicable defense in the tournament.
However, France scored around 11 tries in a dominant victory and are well positioned to challenge for the title heading into the final weekend of the Women’s Six Nations.
Manae Fereu (1), Carla Alves (19), Soqueta (27, 57), Lea Champon (31, 40), Pauline Barratt (42), Alexandra Chambon (61), Lea Mully (63), Anael Deschey (71) and Ambre Mwembe (80+1) scored tries for France in the Scottish capital.
Ireland moved into third place with five tries and earned a bonus point with a 33-12 win over Wales.
For Ireland, Aoife Weffer (14, 54) and Brittany Horgan (40, 80) each scored two tries, while Beihin Parsons (28) scored the other try. For Wales, Georgia Evans (25 years old) scored tries in the first half and Jasmine Joyce (79 years old) just before the end.
Women’s Six Nations final day match results
Sunday, May 17th
Wales vs Italy – Cardiff Arms Park (12.15pm kick-off) Ireland vs Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2.30pm kick-off) France vs England – Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux (4.45pm kick-off)
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