England 38-5 Italy: Red Roses off to winning Women’s Six Nations start despite poor second half in York

Claudia MacDonald scored one of six England tries as the Red Roses began their Women’s Six Nations campaign with victory

England’s Red Roses got off to a winning Women’s Six Nations start at home to Italy in their quest for history, but a poor second-half showing will cause head coach John Mitchell much frustration. 

In an eventual 38-5 success, the Red Roses scored five tries in the opening half through wing Mia Venner, centre Emily Scarratt, wing Claudia MacDonald and hooker Amy Cokayne, while they were also awarded a penalty try with Italy hooker Laura Gurioli ruled to have changed her bind in a maul.

Italy scored a first-half try through No 8 Francesca Sgorbini and were over again early in the second period through Sgorbini once more, only for a TMO review – three-and-a-half minutes after the score and after even the conversion had been taken – to harshly rule out the try for apparent lineout obstruction several phases earlier.

Full-back Emma Sing scored England’s only try of the second half – coming with just two minutes to play – and also kicked well for England off the tee to register three conversions, as the Red Roses march on in seeking a historic fourth Grand Slam in succession.

What’s next?

England’s Red Roses next travel to face Wales at the Principality Stadium for round two on Saturday March 29 (4.45pm kick-off).

Italy next host Ireland for their round-two clash at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma on Sunday March 30 (3pm kick-off).

More to follow…

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