Marlie Packer may have made her England debut 18 years ago, but she is playing some of her best rugby as the openside flanker once again keyed the Red Roses' victory over Italy. The 36-year-old scored four tries in sunny Parma to help England secure a 61-33 win, setting up a potential grand slam showdown against France next Sunday.
Packer's Resurgence
The former England captain has won back the starting shirt due to the unavailability of other players after falling down the pecking order in the international setup. At the World Cup last year, Packer only played one match, which came against Samoa in the pool stage. She has said she will be there for the team that "means so much" to her in whatever capacity needed by head coach John Mitchell, but is proving she can still do more than a good job in a white shirt.
Leadership and Experience
Packer played in her 116th game against Italy, with the other two back-rowers both having less than 10 caps. She brought her leadership experience to the fore as England dominated the match. The team had to contend with a late change when Maddie Feaunati was ruled out with a leg injury, but Haineala Lutui started and Abi Burton moved to the back row. The injury happened earlier in the week, and the Exeter No 8 did not travel with the squad.
First Cap for Balogun
The change also saw Christiana Balogun come onto the bench, with the back-rower winning her first cap in the 64th minute. The landmark career moment for the Bristol player, who does not have a contract and works as a recruitment consultant, came just over three years after being given the all-clear from blood cancer.
Defensive Concerns
If England have any area to work on, it would be their defence, as for the second match running, their opposition secured a try bonus point. But that is not to take away from Italy, who had headed into the match off the back of an impressive win against Scotland, their first victory of the tournament. The team knew the scale of the task to beat England, given they have never defeated the Red Roses before, and an error-strewn opening 20 minutes saw England seal the match before it had truly begun. But Fabio Roselli's team did not fade and scored the most points they have ever scored against England.
Match Highlights
Italy were relaxed before kick-off, playing cards at the team hotel and sharing an espresso before heading to the stadium. That soon changed during the anthem in hot and humid conditions. The English fans looked to outnumber those of the hosts, with roses and cowboy hats making the journey to Parma, but when the singing got under way, it was evident the Italians had the crowd advantage.
It was a hugely physical start from the hosts, including a big hit on Emma Sing from Vittoria Zanette. It left the full-back with a grimace on her face and hands on her hips as she got back to her feet, but it was the visitors who were the first to score, with Packer pouncing on a grubber kick.
First Half Action
The three Italian first-half tries had the ground pumping at the break despite England being in full control. Italy got on the board through Vittoria Vecchini, Alissa Ranuccini, and a penalty try after Ellie Kildunne was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on in the first 40 minutes.
Second Half Dominance
Burton started the second half by scoring, with Packer securing her third and fourth tries next. Italy did a great job in defence in the closing stages of the match, halting England from scoring after the 59th minute. It was also a deafening end to the match, with the hosts pushing for their fifth try, which they secured through Francesca Sgorbini.
Looking Ahead
Italy will hope to finish their campaign on a high as they travel to Cardiff to face Wales, while England head to Bordeaux to try to seal their eighth consecutive Six Nations crown. The Red Roses remain favourites to lift the trophy again, but Italy and Wales have proven there are ways to break them down, with France potentially quietly confident they could get the upset.
