Marlie Packer scored four tries to lead England to a victory over Italy in the Six Nations, keeping their grand slam hopes alive. The match showcased Packer's leadership and skill, despite England's defensive issues.
Marlie Packer may have made her England debut 18 years ago but she is playing some of her best rugby with the openside flanker once again key as the Red Roses set up a potential grand slam showdown against France next Sunday. The former England captain has won back the starting shirt because of 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 she is needed by the head coach, John Mitchell, but is proving she can still do more than a good job in a white shirt. The 36-year-old scored four tries in sunny Parma and also brought her leadership experience too. She played in her 116th game against Italy with the other two back-rowers both having less than 10 caps.
England had to contend with a team change but it was not as abrupt as fans may have thought. It was announced a few hours before kick-off that Maddie Feaunati was ruled out with a leg injury. Haineala Lutui started and Abi Burton moved to the back row but the injury happened earlier in the week and the Exeter No 8 did not travel with the England squad. The change also saw Christiana Balogun come on to 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.
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 they scored the most points they have ever scored against England.
Mia Venner escapes the Italy defence to score for England. Photograph: Emmanuele Ciancaglini/RFU/The RFU Collection/Getty Images
Italy were relaxed before kick-off. They played cards with one another at the team hotel and shared an espresso before heading to the stadium. That soon changed during the anthem in hot and humid conditions. The English fans looked to be outnumbering those of the hosts with the 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.
Marlie Packer scored four tries in the match against Italy.
The victory kept England's hopes for a grand slam alive as they prepare to face France next.
Haineala Lutui started in place of Maddie Feaunati, who was ruled out due to a leg injury.
Christiana Balogun made her debut, winning her first cap in the 64th minute of the game.
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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.
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.
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 as they halted 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.
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.