Marlie Packer terrorises Italy to keep England’s Six Nations defence on track

• Italy 33-61 England

• Packer scores four to set up possible France showdown

Marlie Packer may have made her England debut 18 years ago but she is playing some of her best rugby with the openside flanker once again key as the Red Roses set up a potential grand slam showdown against France next Sunday. The former England captain has won back the starting shirt because of the unavailability of other players after falling down the pecking order in the international setup.

At the World Cup last year Packer only played one match, which came against Samoa in the pool stage. She has said she will be there for the team that “means so much” to her in whatever capacity she is needed by the head coach, John Mitchell, but is proving she can still do more than a good job in a white shirt. The 36-year-old scored four tries in sunny Parma and also brought her leadership experience too. She played in her 116th game against Italy with the other two back-rowers both having less than 10 caps.