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

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 a minute 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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