England sit top of the Women’s Six Nations with three wins from three, averaging nearly 60 points a game and riding a 36-match unbeaten run. A victory over Italy in Round Four would all but set up a winner-takes-all showdown with France on the final day (May 17), with Les Bleues level on table points and still needing to beat Scotland to keep their title hopes alive.
England must manage an injury crisis
The Red Roses remain heavy favourites but arrive in Parma with several absences. Alex Matthews is sidelined following a knock to Sadia Kabeya in the Wales game, and in total England will be missing eight of the 13 forwards who featured in last year’s World Cup final. That leaves a patched-up pack facing a refreshed Italy, but the task is straightforward: win and England move to the brink of a second successive Grand Slam.
Italy’s resurgence
Italy enter confident after a surprising 41-14 win over Scotland in which their front row impressed and debutant Vittoria Zanette scored twice in the first half. That result follows a difficult start in which Le Azzurre conceded 97 points across their first two matches, so England will need to guard against complacency against a team suddenly showing more cohesion and physicality up front.
France heavy favourites in Edinburgh
Scotland head into their clash with France bruised by an 84-7 defeat to England and the Parma loss, and have made seven changes in response. France, who have won their last three meetings with Scotland comfortably, are expected to secure a bonus-point win. Anaïs Grando, the tournament’s leading try-scorer, has been in outstanding form, and France will be looking to maintain momentum ahead of the final round.
Scotland will hope for a lift in front of their home crowd after captain Rachel Gordon’s late sending-off in the previous match, but another strong French performance seems likely unless Scotland produce a major revival.
Wales seeking progress despite tough results
Wales are still searching for their first points after three defeats and face a tough trip to Ireland. Head coach Sean Lynn has emphasised this is a new-look squad focused on principles and incremental improvement; he expects the team to continue building with every Test and aims to leave Belfast having added another layer to their progress. Ireland, meanwhile, will be determined to respond after mixed tournament results and will be keen to make a statement at home.
Fixtures — Round Four and the final day
Saturday May 9
– Italy vs England — Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (2:00pm)
– Scotland vs France — Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (4:15pm)
– Ireland vs Wales — Affidea Stadium, Belfast (6:30pm)
Sunday May 17 (Final round)
– Wales vs Italy — Cardiff Arms Park (12:15pm)
– Ireland vs Scotland — Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2:30pm)
– France vs England — Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux (4:45pm)
With England a single win from setting up a blockbuster title decider in Bordeaux, Round Four promises decisive moments for the championship favourites and fringe teams alike.