In a highly anticipated opening match of the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, England’s Red Roses faced Italy at the LNER Community Stadium in York, starting their campaign for a seventh consecutive championship. The game kicked off at 3 PM GMT on March 23, 2025, amidst expectations of another dominant performance from England, who have not lost on home soil in a decade.
This year, England's head coach John Mitchell named an intriguing side featuring versatile playmaker Helena Rowland at fly half, marking her first international start in that position since 2022. Rowland was previously seen in a centre role but was determined to take control of the game from the No. 10 jersey. "She's definitely versatile but she wants to play at 10 and she sees herself as a 10," said Mitchell, emphasizing Rowland’s eagerness for the opportunity.
Zoe Aldcroft captained the side from the blindside flanker position, having taken over the captaincy from Marlie Packer, who now serves as vice-captain. Supporting Aldcroft is a mix of experienced players and newcomers, reflecting England's goal of ongoing excellence as they gear up for the Rugby World Cup in August. Italy, under the new leadership of coach Fabio Roselli, aimed to improve on their previous results, having finished fifth in the last three Six Nations tournaments.
The match's starting line-up for England also included Lilli Ives Campion making her first Test start in the second row and Mia Venner on the wing for her second cap. The latter duo’s selections were rewards for their impressive seasons with Gloucester-Hartpury. Rowland’s determination and talent were matched by the return of Claudia MacDonald, who is battling back from a significant neck injury.
The match commenced with England showing early dominance. Mia Venner struck first, darting past tacklers to score the opening try, showcasing the speed and agility that has made her a standout player. Emma Sing, the top points-scorer in the Women's Premiership Rugby, successfully converted the try, placing England in a strong early position.
In their pursuit to exploit Italy's defense, England continued to press, with significant attacking plays highlighted by Lucy Packer’s agility and quick decision-making. However, the team encountered some difficulties, including fumbled passes and penalties that provided Italy with chances to recover. Despite this, England's defensive tenacity kept Italy at bay.
Italy’s attempts to counter were characterized by a new, more aggressive playing style under Roselli. After finishing last year’s Six Nations with a single win, Italy was eager for redemption. The squad featured key players like Beatrice Rigoni and Sofia Stefan, who were tasked with leading the charge against England's formidable lineup.
As the half progressed, England continued to apply pressure. They succeeded in driving through Italy’s defenses, with standout performances, particularly from their forwards, who demonstrated significant power at the set-pieces. Nerves began to show among the Italian players as they faced mounting pressure to convert possession into points, resulting in mistakes that England exploited.
However, the tide turned slightly for Italy as Francesca Sgorbini managed to score during a rare visit to the English half, momentarily reinvigorating the Italian side. Their jubilation, however, was short-lived after an obstruction was discovered following a video review, and the try was disallowed. It was a frustrating moment for Italy, but one that provided them with hope as they were adjusting their game plan effectively against the reigning champions.
Midway through the second half, the score remained unchanged since the interval. England maintained their lead, yet repeated mistakes began to haunt them, with ill-timed penalties allowing Italy to claw back some momentum. The atmosphere grew tense, as Italy's resilience began to shine. Yet, England's experience became evident as they held strong in defense, successfully clearing several dangerous situations.
Despite a few shaky moments, England's depth in their squad shone through as Mitchell utilized the bench strategically. Flo Robinson and Jade Shekells were brought in to potentially make their Test debuts, symbolizing the bright future of women’s rugby in England. Robinson, known for her prowess in the Premiership, and Shekells, a former GB Sevens player, were set to make significant impacts on the game.
As the clock wound down, England pushed for further tries that showcased the depth of their talent. With the crowd behind them, the Red Roses worked through Italy's defense effectively, culminating in a stunning try from Claudia MacDonald, cementing England's lead as they looked to secure a decisive victory.
Finally, as the match concluded with a final score of 48-7 in favor of England, they demonstrated their capability as a dominant force in women’s rugby. The Red Roses now turn their focus to their next challenge, an eye on the upcoming World Cup solidifying their preparations while building confidence and strategy throughout the Six Nations. This victory is not just a win; it is a step towards what they hope will be a successful defense of their title and a profound legacy leading into the world stage later this year.
