"Centuries, Debuts & Croc Rolls" 5 Things We Learned: Italy 0-48 England - 2024 Women's Six Nations

Amidst the plentiful tries that lit up the home of Zebre Parma, there were also a lot of learning curves for both sides out in Italy. Here we have selected a handful of talking points, from England's inaugural win in the 2024 Championship.

It was a moment to savour for England captain Marlie Packer, as she made her 100th test cap for the Red Roses in the opening match of the 2024 Women's Six Nations. The mid week build up had been firmly focussed around the Saracen's century, with Packer eager to get the match under her belt and lead her side to victory in Parma. Packer received a strong reception from the travelling fans, as the back-row exploded out onto the pitch with her side in support.

Packer came narrowly close to scoring the opening try of the match, as England reverted back to their tried and tested rolling maul. Packer was at the back of the maul, yet with no road to the try-line in sight shipped the ball to Botterman, who in turn fumbled the ball for an Italian let off. Packer was given a standing ovation from her teammates, family and friends out in Parma, as she departed the pitch for the incoming debutant Maddie Feaunati at the hour mark.

A solid army of Packer's supporters flew out for the centurion appearence, as the back-row led from the front out in Italy.

2. ZOE ALDCROFT AND ABBIE WARD RE-KINDLE THEIR PARTNERSHIP IN THE ROW

When John Mitchell named his Red Roses squad for the 2024 Women's Six Nations, he excited England fans by bringing back a trio of experienced players for the opener against Italy. Emily Scarratt and Zoe Harrison returned from injury to start in the back-line, whilst lock Abbie Ward made her first test match appearence at second row. The Bristol Bear recently welcomed baby Hallie to the world, and has been in strong form since returning to the pitch at Ashton Gate.

Ward carried this momentum forward to her test match return, as she partnered up with another returning Red Rose. Zoe Aldcroft was back in action against Italy, after battling back from an MCL knee injury over the previous weeks. The two locks packed down the engine room, and had to put in an additional shift when England's scrum dropped to seven following the sending off to number eight Sarah Beckett after just 11 minutes. Ward thought she had scored England's first try of the match, yet had her 16th minute score chalked off for double movement in the build-up.

Ward was able to get her name on the scoreboard soon after, with a try coming in similar fashion, albeit awarded by the referee. Ward finished off a series of short drives from the Red Roses, and muscled her way over from close range to double England's advantage ahead of the half-time break.

3. ITALIAN FLOODGATES OPEN AFTER STRONG FIRST HALF AZZURRI PERFORMANCE

There is definite progression within the Italian side, as le Azzurri presented a solid first half effort. The full-time result can be argued to not accurately reflect the performance of the Italians, who had a good shot at England, especially in the first physical 40 minutes. Italy held strong against the Red Roses' tried and tested methods in the first half, as they kept the rolling maul at bay, and presented a resilient wall against the short drives.

Italy's impressive first half effort forced errors from the Red Roses, as frustration grew into their minds. It took England half an hour to get any points on the board, despite the aforementioned efforts of Abbie Ward. Hannah Botterman made the breakthrough for England, after a ruthless series of play finally broke through the Italian defence. Ward rounded off the first half with England's second try, yet the 10-0 score-line was a respectable one for the Italians to reflect upon.

Red Roses head coach John Mitchell must have given an inspired team talk at the break, as his side kick-started the second half in a high gear. Lark Atkin-Davies reaped the rewards of a well worked rolling maul. The front-rower dotted down from the back of the pack to re-start England's second half scoring just four minutes after the break, with the Red Roses really hitting their stride shortly after. The floodgates would open with Ellie Kildunne's excellent line break, as she skipped her way past the Italian defenders for a stunning solo effort.

The Red Roses then followed this up with tries from Helena Rowland, Mackenzie Carson both got on the score-line, and Kildunne added her second with a fine finish in the corner.

There was a major talking point early on in the first half, as England back-row Sarah Beckett was sent to the bunker after just 11 minutes. The number eight was first presented with a yellow card, after trying to clear out Michela Silari at the ruck. Beckett was unable to shunt the outside centre in the conventional fashion, and instead opted for a crocodile roll to swing the guarding defender out of the breakdown.

The move has steadily been clamped down upon by match officials, and was instantly the subject of a TMO review for foul play. After a brief discussion, referee Aurelie Groizeleau turned to England captain Marlie Packer to explain why the offence is being outlawed in the sport. Beckett was issued with an initial yellow card and an off field review in the bunker. A matter of minutes later and the Gloucester-Hartpury star was presented with a red card, with the referee stating that there was a high degree of danger in the croc roll.

One of the strongest packs in women's rugby, the Red Roses opted to drop a player in the scrum and not replace the number eight vacancy with a member of the back-line. Despite being outnumbered seven to eight, England continued to assert their dominance up front and ran out a resounding win thanks to the strength of the pack.

The opening match of the Red Roses' campaign also marked the start of the England career of Maddie Feaunati. Having recently arrived at Exeter Chiefs, the back-row formerly plied her trade in New Zealand with Wellington Pride and also the Hurricanes. Feaunati was reportedly approached with a contract to play for the Black Ferns, but instead opted to pursue a career with the Red Roses, and got started on this mission out in Parma.

Feaunati had big boots to fill upon her arrival, as she replaced Marlie Packer in the back-row, who left to an immense ovation upon her 100th appearance. Feaunati had an instant impact from the back of the scrum, as she reshuffled the deck in moving Sadie Kabeya across the flanks. Feaunati's impact was immediatly felt in attack, as she sent some enticing offloads to the supporting ball carriers, and narrowly provided an assist over the try-line. The back-row was equally impressive in defence, as she flew into tackles with a head of steam out in Parma.

There is plenty of contention for places in the England back-row, yet with the suspension of Sarah Beckett could well miss out on next weekend's match against Wales, Feaunati could well get her first start at Ashton Gate. Marlie Packer has previously impressed at the back of the scrum, and should the captain be moved to number eight for the match against Wales, the door could remain open for Feaunati to start in her first Red Roses fixture next weekend.