England chase Six Nations title decider against Italy

Injury-hit England will secure a Women’s Six Nations title decider against France if they defeat Italy in round four of the championship.

The Red Roses enter the penultimate weekend riding a formidable 36-match unbeaten streak.

A victory over the Italians would keep the world champions on course for a second consecutive Grand Slam.

Their closest challengers are currently level on points at the top of the table.

Les Bleues must first navigate an away fixture against a struggling Scotland side to maintain their own trophy ambitions.

Mounting forward crisis

Despite averaging nearly 60 points per game so far, the tournament leaders face significant squad depletion.

Recent blows to Alex Matthews and Sadia Kabeya have severely weakened the forward line.

Consequently, eight of the 13 forwards who featured in last year’s World Cup final squad are now unavailable.

This makeshift pack must now withstand a confident opposition fresh from a landmark victory.

Italy arrive buoyed by a shock 41-14 triumph over the Scots, driven by a dominant front-row performance.

Debutant Vittoria Zanette scored twice in that fixture, issuing a clear warning to a depleted English pack.

Elsewhere, the French outfit are heavily favoured to claim an away bonus-point win over a vulnerable Scottish team.

The hosts have made seven changes following an 84-7 humiliation against the title holders.

Meanwhile, winless Wales and Ireland will battle to restore pride at the bottom of the standings.