England player ratings vs Italy as John Mitchell's women continued their incredible winning run in the 2026 Six Nations.
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A fast start from the Red Roses almost saw the visitors open the scoring instantly, but the Italian defence denied Abi Burton the first try of the afternoon. England continued to apply pressure though, and a pinpoint kick from Zoe Harrison released Marlie Packer down the wing to score the opening try of the match.
Five minutes later, England’s driving maul once again proved unstoppable as Amy Cokayne crossed for her first try of the game.
With less than a quarter of the match played, the Red Roses secured their third and fourth tries through Helena Rowland and Mia Venner, earning the try bonus point early on.
Italy responded through hooker Vittoria Vecchini, who powered over for the home side’s first score of the game.
England quickly struck back with Cokayne grabbing her second try, once again capitalising from the back of a dominant maul.
The hosts then enjoyed their best spell of possession and territory of the first half. Pressure on the England line forced a deliberate knock-on from Ellie Kildunne, resulting in a penalty try for Italy and a yellow card for the Red Roses winger.
Despite being reduced to 14 players, England continued to attack and Marlie Packer crossed for her second try of the match. Italy answered once more before the break as Silvia Turani produced a brilliant offload to send Alissa Ranuccini over for the hosts’ third try.
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Half-Time: Italy 19–40 England
The second half began in cagey fashion, but England soon regained control with Abi Burton crashing over from the back of a powerful scrum.
A wave of substitutions around the 50-minute mark injected fresh energy into the Red Roses side and almost immediately England produced another flowing attacking move, finished by Packer for her hat-trick.
Italy also benefited from fresh legs, with Francesca Sgorbini making an instant impact from the bench to score the home side’s fourth try and secure their own try bonus point.
England responded quickly once again as Marlie Packer showcased her class with a fourth try of the afternoon.
With fatigue beginning to show in the closing stages due to the heat and intensity of the contest, Italy had the final say as Francesca Sgorbini crossed for her second try of the game.
Italy: 33
Tries
Vecchini (16’), Penalty Try (24’), Ranuccini (34’), Sgorbini (55’, 80’)
Conversions
Sillari (35’, 56’, 81’)
Starting XV
1 Silvia Turani, 2 Vittoria Vecchini, 3 Vittoria Zanette, 4 Valeria Fedrighi, 5 Alessandra Frangipani, 6 Beatrice Veronese, 7 Alissa Ranuccini, 8 Elisa Giordano (c), 9 Sofia Stefan, 10 Veronica Madia, 11 Alyssa D’Inca, 12 Sara Mannini, 13 Michela Sillari, 14 Aura Muzzo, 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi
Replacements
16 Chiara Cheli, 17 Gaia Maris, 18 Gaia Dosi, 19 Giordana Duca, 20 Francesca Sgorbini, 21 Alia Bitonci, 22 Emma Stevanin, 23 Francesca Granzotto
England: 61
Tries
Marlie Packer (3’, 31’, 51’, 59’), Amy Cokayne (8’, 19’), Helena Rowland (11’), Mia Venner (13’), Abi Burton (48’)
Conversions
Harrison (4’, 8’, 12’, 19’, 48’, 52’, 60’)
Yellow Cards
Kildunne (24’)
Starting XV
1 Kelsey Clifford (off 40’), 2 Amy Cokayne (off 49’), 3 Maud Muir (off 49’), 4 Haineala Lutui (off 49’), 5 Delaney Burns, 6 Demelza Short (off 63’), 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Abi Burton, 9 Lucy Packer (off 49’), 10 Zoe Harrison, 11 Ellie Kildunne, 12 Helena Rowland (off 52’), 13 Megan Jones (c), 14 Mia Venner, 15 Emma Sing (off 63’)
Replacements
16 Connie Powell (on 49’), 17 Mackenzie Carson (on 40’), 18 Sarah Bern (on 49’), 19 Christiana Balogun (on 63’), 20 Haidee Head (on 49’), 21 Flo Robinson (on 49’), 22 Holly Aitchison (on 52’), 23 Claudia Maloney-MacDonald (on 63’)
England Player Ratings vs Italy:
15. Emma Sing – 6
A solid performance from the Gloucester-Hartpury full-back, who looked comfortable under the high ball and produced a strong kicking display throughout.
14. Mia Venner – 7
A lively display from the winger, who continued her impressive domestic form by getting herself on the scoresheet.
13. Megan Jones – 6
The Red Roses captain controlled the side well and made several strong breaks, particularly during England’s spell with 14 players.
12. Helena Rowland – 7
A strong outing for the centre on her 50th England cap, marked with a well-taken try.
11. Ellie Kildunne – 6
Returned to the wing and impressed in attack, although her deliberate knock-on resulted in a yellow card and a penalty try for Italy.
10. Zoe Harrison – 7
An excellent performance from the fly-half, whose kicking game consistently caused problems for Italy.
9. Lucy Packer – 6
Played a key role in England’s attacking tempo and distribution before being replaced in the second half.
1. Kelsey Clifford – 5
A steady scrummaging display during her time on the pitch.
2. Amy Cokayne – 8
Once again demonstrated her experience and finishing ability, scoring twice from England’s driving maul.
3. Maud Muir – 6
Performed strongly in both the scrum and maul, helping England dominate up front.
4. Haineala Lutui – 6
Called into the starting lineup late following injury to Maddie Feaunati and impressed with several strong carries and tackles.
5. Delaney Burns – 6
Another dependable performance from the Bristol Bears lock, contributing physically throughout the match.
6. Demelza Short – 5
The 17-year-old continued to show promise with several important carries and tackles.
7. Marlie Packer – 9
A sensational performance from the Saracens flanker, scoring four tries and moving into second place on the all-time Red Roses try-scoring list.
8. Abi Burton – 7
An impressive display from Burton, who adapted well after initially being named in the second row and capped her performance with a try.
Replacements
England’s replacements made a significant impact, bringing fresh energy and intensity during the latter stages of a physically demanding contest played in difficult conditions.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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