No one anticipated an easy ride for Italy, nor did they expect any real challenge for England. The Red Roses secured a dominant six-try win as they launched their quest for a seventh consecutive title. However, after scoring four tries and a penalty try before the break, they faced a noticeable dip in performance and had to wait until the final two minutes to add another score in the second half.
England’s impressive streak has now extended to 21 consecutive victories, dating back to the 2022 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand. Yet, despite this success, the lack of cohesion in their play during this match could raise concerns for head coach John Mitchell.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, England are gearing up for what is expected to be a memorable year. In just 152 days, Mitchell’s squad will kick off a home tournament against the US at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. While it’s hard to imagine a repeat of the men’s team’s pool-stage exit a decade ago under Stuart Lancaster, Mitchell’s team will certainly face stiff tests in the tournament’s later rounds. Therefore, the Six Nations provides an important opportunity to fine-tune their combinations and systems.
Italy started hesitantly but showed considerable improvement in the second half, while England’s precision was not as sharp as they would have liked.
For Italy, an early knock-on in their own 22 was a nightmare scenario, especially against a side like England. Beatrice Rigoni’s misfired pass put her team under immediate pressure, allowing Mia Venner, on her full debut, to dart down the right wing. She then appeared on the opposite flank to score, with Emma Sing successfully converting.
Minutes later, Venner was again charging down the England right, but a brilliant tap tackle by Vittoria Minuzzi halted her progress. However, the damage was already done, and Emily Scarratt powered over for a second try, with Sing once again converting with ease.
Italy’s lineout struggles didn’t help their cause, but they managed to halt England’s momentum until the midway point of the first half, when a poor pass by Azzurre captain Sofia Stefan, aimed at Francesca Granzotto, went into touch. Rosie Galligan capitalized on an attacking lineout to touch down, although it took a lengthy check to confirm that the ball had been knocked on. Meanwhile, Italy’s Laura Gurioli was sent to the sin-bin for an infringement at the side.
England took 28 minutes to secure their try bonus point. Holly Aitchison delivered a superb cross-kick, which Claudia MacDonald, making her first England appearance since 2023, caught and dashed around the defense to score.
Credit to Italy, though, as they refused to back down. On their first visit to England’s 22, they constructed an impressive pushover try for No. 8 Francesca Sgorbini in the 34th minute. Despite an inaccurate conversion from Rigoni, Italy’s coach, Fabio Roselli, couldn’t hide his pride.
Before halftime, Amy Cokayne added a fifth try for England, including a penalty, but Italy came out with renewed vigor in the second half. Sgorbini was denied a second try due to an obstruction by Beatrice Veronese in the lineout. Italy’s handling errors from the first half seemed to have dissipated, and with more ball in hand, England began to make substitutions. The introduction of Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern signaled their intent.
With 15 minutes remaining, England had yet to add to their first-half tally. The game had become disjointed, and the crowd was contemplating a second Mexican wave.
However, the appearance of Ellie Kildunne, the 2024 Women’s World Player of the Year, lifted the spirits of the crowd. Debuts for Jade Shekells and Flo Robinson followed, and just after Kildunne’s entry, Bern powered through the middle, setting up Sadia Kabeya for a try—only for the TMO to rule it out for a forward pass.
Finally, Sing added another score with two minutes to spare, sending the crowd home satisfied. It was a solid start to a crucial year, but Mitchell and his squad will certainly expect more after such a dominant first half.
