Simon Middleton and his resurgent England side may have already wrapped up the title – but there’s still plenty to play for heading into an intriguing final round of the Women’s Six Nations.
France’s 13-13 draw with Scotland in Round 4 was enough to hand the Red Roses the Championship crown and with a trip to Parma now looming, Middleton knows his players can scoop a brilliant second Grand Slam in a row.
England travel to Italy off the back of a flawless clean sweep against France, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, bidding to reassert their 2019 hegemony and win their tenth Grand Slam of the Six Nations era.
France face Ireland in an eagerly-anticipated battle for second and with Scotland also travelling to Wales, the stage is set for a scintillating Saturday of Round Five Championship action.
It’s all eyes on Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday evening as Middleton’s England bid for a historic tenth Grand Slam title since the six-team format was adopted in 2002.
Only France and Ireland have stood in the Red Roses’ way in clinching the crown over the last 18 years and while England have not played a match since March, Middleton will be backing his stars to sparkle on the Italian turf.
The Azzurre come into the contest off the back of a disappointing 21-7 defeat against Ireland at the weekend and – with a game in hand against Scotland still to play – are gunning for their second win of the Championship.
But England – who toppled Wales 66-7 in their previous encounter – will be hoping to put any fears of rustiness to bed as they seek to wrap up a brilliant clean sweep over their rivals once more.
They’ll have to do so without Sarah Hunter, however, with the captain ruled out with a hamstring injury. Vice-captain Emily Scarratt will lead the team in her absence.
Middleton said: “We’re really looking forward to our final Six Nations game against Italy where we’re targeting the Grand Slam.
“We’ve had a number of short camps in recent weeks which have given us an opportunity to work with lots of players.
“We’re naturally disappointed Sarah Hunter is ruled out but we feel it’s best she sits out of this one in order to recover properly. We have a big year ahead and must play the long game.”
The battle for second. Both France and Ireland lie locked on 13 points apiece after a turbulent campaign in Championship action.
Ireland have won a game more than France but Les Bleues’ bonus-point victories over Italy and Wales have catapulted them level with the team in green.
France come into the clash after a frustrating draw against Scotland in Glasgow, while Ireland breezed past Italy on home soil to claim their third win of the campaign.
Annick Hayraud and her team’s draw with Scotland may have prevented the destination of the trophy going down to the final day – but the clash for second will make for some intriguing viewing in Villeneuve-d’Ascq on Saturday lunchtime.
Scotland have played a game fewer than Wales but sit above them in the table after that battling draw at Scotstoun in Round 4.
And it’s been an underwhelming Women’s Six Nations for captain Siwan Lillicrap and her Wales team, who have picked up just a solitary point after slumping to four defeats from four Championship matches.
They have an opportunity to finish their campaign with a flourish, however, welcoming Scotland to Cardiff for a game where a win will see them leapfrog the visitors – at least temporarily – in the table.
It’s not been the campaign both teams wanted but be sure to expect a fiery encounter as both sides bid to rehabilitate their Championships in the Welsh capital.
