The formidable Saracens flanker has long been a crucial cog in the England squad and received rapturous applause for her services when she took to the field in Parma on Sunday afternoon.
Packer’s leadership credentials cannot be understated – her power and passion have brought her right to the forefront of the Red Roses’ run of six successive Six Nations titles.
But after winning her 100th cap and also scoring a try, she was quick to celebrate the support network which keeps her going.
“I feel on top of the world," she said. "I’ve got a big crowd of friends and family out here so for them to make the trip makes it that extra special for me.
“I carry them every time I wear this shirt and to say I’ve been able to do it 100 times is very special.”
Initially it looked as though Packer’s big day would not have the perfect ending, as England went down to 14 players when Sarah Beckett saw red for an illegal clear-out.
However, two first half tries from Hannah Botterman and Abbie Ward helped settle the nerves before John Mitchell's side emerged from the break enlivened, scoring a further six tries - one of which came from Packer - on their way to winning 48-0.
“We talked as a squad about wanting to let the handbrake off and play,” Packer said.
“There were a few soft errors in there that maybe let us down and it didn’t quite go to how we wanted it to, but it’s the first game of the tournament and we’ll fix it and come back stronger against Wales next week.”
One of the players that helped inspire the improved second half display was the ever-electric Ellie Kildunne, who ran in two tries in quick succession.
Despite being one of the stars of the show, Kildunne was quick to shift the spotlight back on to Packer, hailing the indelible impact she has within the wider Red Roses squad.
“We went through Marlie’s story last night. She’s not had a smooth ride but I’m so proud of where she is right now and I’m so proud to call her my captain,” Kildunne said.
“She doesn’t just wear her heart on her sleeve, you can see it in her hair being everywhere, in her shouting or when she’s smiling and laughing, it’s infectious.
“It bleeds into everyone so hats off to her, having 100 caps for your country is massive but being captain is even bigger, so well done Marlie.”
