England start Six Nations defence with Italy win

Mia Venner (smiling) was a standout performer in Gloucester-Hartpurys Premiership Womens Rugby title win

Womens Six Nations

England (33) 38

Tries: Venner, Scarratt, penalty try, MacDonald, Cokayne, Sing Cons: Sing 3

Italy (5) 5

Try: Sgorbini

England started their Womens Six Nations title defence with a comfortable victory over Italy at LNER Community Stadium in York.

The victory extends the Red Roses winning run to 21 games before a home Rugby World Cup that starts in August.

On her first Red Roses start, wing Mia Venner grabbed the opening try before centre Emily Scarratt crossed in a dominant opening period.

The hosts, following a penalty try from a maul infringement, sealed the bonus-point try inside 30 minutes after Claudia MacDonalds sharp finish.

Italy managed one score in the first half through number eight Francesca Sgorbini, but Amy Cokayne quickly responded to grab Englands fifth first-half try.

Emma Sing, in an error-filled second half, capped off a solid day from the kicking tee with the final try late in the game.

John Mitchells side are seeking a fourth successive Grand Slam and a seventh Six Nations title in a row.

England next face Wales at Principality Stadium on Saturday, while Italy, who finished fifth in last years championship, host Ireland on Sunday with hopes of replicating their only victory last campaign.

More to follow.

England: Sing; Venner, Scarratt, Aitchison, MacDonald; Rowland, L Packer; Clifford, Cokayne, Muir, Galligan, Ives Campion, Aldcroft (capt), M Packer, Feaunati.

Replacements: Campbell, Botterman, Bern, Ward, Kabeya, Robinson, Shekells, Kildunne.

Italy: Ostuni Minuzzi; Muzzo, DInca, Rigoni, Granzotto; Madia, Stefan (capt); Turani, Gurioli, Seye, Fedrighi, Duca, Veronese, Locatelli, Sgorbini.

Replacements: Vecchini, Stecca, Maris, Tounesi, Franco, Bitonci, Stevanin, Capomaggi.

Referee: Aurelie Groizeleau (Fra)