England in control again - but defensive cracks a work-on ahead of Grand Slam decider with France

At the weekend, the Red Roses extended their record-winning run to 37 games following their 61-33 triumph over Italy.

Player of the Match Marlie Packer scored four tries as England remain on course for an eighth straight Women’s Six Nations title.

Saturday also saw France beat Scotland in Edinburgh (69-28), which sets up a mouth-watering Grand Slam decider between England and Les Bleues at the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux on Sunday.

A fast start in Parma saw the world champions cross the whitewash and secure a bonus point inside the opening quarter, sealed by Mia Venner.

Packer scored two tries in each half, while a sublime performance by Amy Cokayne also saw her dot down twice. Helena Rowland, who made her 50th appearance, also scored.

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Packer’s return to the starting line-up has been a real feature of England’s campaign, with the experienced flanker once again showing her leadership in a side that has had to deal with a number of changes and injuries.

Despite England’s control, Italy kept fighting and had the crowd behind them throughout. Their three first-half tries ensured a lively atmosphere at the break, even with the visitors in command of the scoreboard.

Abi Burton opened the second half with England's seventh try, before Packer added two more to complete her four-try haul.

Italy then defended strongly in the final quarter, preventing the Red Roses from adding further points, while Francesca Sgorbini scored twice for the hosts in the second 40.

The defensive display will be a work-on for England, though, who have now conceded nine tries across the last two matches, as Italy pushed them more than the scoreline suggests.

Key moments

Marlie Packer’s Player of the Match performance

The Saracens forward was dominant throughout and scored her first try after just three minutes. The two-time World Cup winner carried relentlessly and was heavily involved around the breakdown and in close-range attack.

Her influence goes beyond scoring, with her experience once again evident on Saturday. Having returned to the starting fold during this championship, the 36-year-old seems to be on top of her game right now and will be a huge asset away in France this coming weekend.

Haidee Head's debut

The 21-year-old was one of two players to earn their first cap in Italy, alongside Christina Balogun.

Head was impactful on debut, putting in a solid defensive shift and she looked comfortable at Test level in a side impacted by injuries and absences.

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It was also a notable afternoon for Balogun, who came off the bench for her first appearance after a remarkable personal journey. Just over three years ago, she was given the all-clear from blood cancer and now the back-rower is an England international.

Zoe Harrison’s performance

Harrison was excellent in attack and defence. She probably controlled the match more than anyone else, with her kicking game central to England pulling Italy apart early on.

The cross-kick for Packer’s opening try was superb. She spotted the narrow defence instantly and executed it perfectly. She slotted her goals well for most of the game and kept the scoreboard ticking over, while her territorial kicking was outstanding.

On to France...

While it wasn’t a perfect performance, England still ran in enough points to stay in control, and they now turn their attention to a huge test against France in Bordeaux, where they will attempt to secure a seventh successive Grand Slam.

John Mitchell's side remain strong favourites, but both Italy and Wales have shown in recent weeks that there are ways to trouble the Red Roses, and France have more than enough quality to cause the world champions problems.