Packer scores four as England close in on Grand Slam

Marlie Packer, with 59 international tries, is now second in England's all-time try scorers list [Getty Images]

Women's Six Nations

Italy (19) 33

Tries: Vecchini, penalty try, Ranuccini, Sgorbini 2 Cons: Sillari 3

England (40) 61

Tries: M Packer 4, Cokayne 2, Rowland, Venner, Burton Cons: Harrison 8

England veteran flanker Marlie Packer scored four tries to help the Red Roses thrash Italy in Parma and remain on course for an eighth straight Women's Six Nations.

Victory for France later in Edinburgh (16:15 BST) will set up a mouth-watering Grand Slam decider at the 42,115-capacity Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux next Sunday.

The Red Roses, who were crowned world champions in September, also extended their record winning run to 37 games.

A fast start saw the visitors secure the try bonus point inside the first 15 minutes through Mia Venner.

Packer bagged two tries in each half, while hooker Amy Cokayne crossed twice and Helena Rowland also dotted down.

Despite England's dominance, Italy managed to secure a bonus point after tries from Vittoria Vecchini and Alissa Ranuccini, who scored either side of a penalty try, with Francesca Sgorbini grabbing the crucial fourth try.

Abi Burton's impressive form was rewarded with a second-half try as John Mitchell's side, despite continuing to look leaky in defence, always appeared to be in complete control.

Slow starts by France against Italy and Ireland will again make England heavy favourites to secure a fifth Grand Slam in a row.

Sgorbini's second try at the death brought Le Azzurre over 30 points, with defence an area of concern for Mitchell heading into next week.

Les Bleues came closest to ending England's unbeaten run, scoring 42 points to lose by only one point in last year's Grand Slam decider at Allianz Stadium after not being at their best.