Packer calls for discipline despite cakewalk
ENGLAND will seek a quickfire tune-up after coasting past Italy 48-0 with 14 players in yesterday’s Women’s Six Nations opener.
The Red Roses lost Sarah Beckett to an 11th-minute red card in Parma, but still extended their six-year unbeaten Six Nations run.
Ellie Kildunne (right) scored twice, with Hannah Botterman, Abbie Ward, Lark Atkin-Davies, Helena Rowland, Mackenzie Carson and Connie Powell all going over.
Now captain Marlie Packer wants England to turn their messy eight-try start into a top-speed showing when hosting Wales in Bristol on Saturday.
“We knew Italy were going to come out and challenge us, but it was about us being patient,” said Packer, who was making a landmark 100th appearance. “We talked about taking the handbrake off, but there were a few soft errors that we won’t be happy with, so that’s a fix-up going into next week.”
Rowland was also sin-binned in the second-half, but England still navigated 10 minutes with 13 players with little issue.
Red Roses boss John Mitchell praised his side for keeping their focus amid those disciplinary wrangles.
“We responded really calmly, it’s testament to this team that they are able to play with 14, eventually 13, players,” he said.
“We were building pressure coming up to half-time, and at the end of the day the girls responded to a difficult situation and got out of it really calmly.” On reaching 100 caps, Packer said: “I’m on top of the world, I need to thank everyone along my rugby journey. I carry them every time I wear this shirt, and to have done so 100 times is very special.”