England Overpowers Italy in Six Nations Opener Despite Early Red Card

March 24, 2024 – In a testament to resilience and strategic prowess, England kicked off the defense of their Guinness Women’s Six Nations title with a dominant 48-0 victory over Italy in Parma, despite being reduced to 14 players early in the match. Sarah Beckett’s early departure for a controversial tackle could not derail the Red Roses as they overcame initial frustrations to put on a rugby clinic.

The match’s tone was set when Beckett received a red card for a dangerous “crocodile roll” just eight minutes in, leaving England to navigate the majority of the game with a numerical disadvantage. The incident, following a bunker review, intensified the challenge for the visitors, who initially struggled against a tenacious Italian defense.

Despite these early hurdles, England’s patience and tactical acumen began to shine through. Hannah Botterman and Abbie Ward broke the deadlock with tries towards the end of the first half, setting the stage for a second-half onslaught.

The Red Roses found their rhythm after the break, adding six more tries to their tally. Ellie Kildunne stood out with two tries, showcasing England’s depth and attacking versatility. Marlie Packer, celebrating her 100th match, Helena Rowland, Mackenzie Carson, and Connie Powell also crossed the line, marking a successful start for John Mitchell as head coach.

England’s victory was a display of their adaptability and depth, overcoming the setback of Beckett’s sending off. The team’s ability to maintain discipline and structure, even while a player down, speaks volumes about their championship mentality. The win not only sets a positive tone for their Six Nations campaign but also underlines England’s status as a formidable force in women’s rugby.