6 Nations: English stride on towards fifth title

England cantered to a seven-try victory over Italy in Parma this afternoon. Despite making several changes from the "first choice" side who beat Wales last week, and making still more changes throughout the game, Catherine Spencer's team racked up 41 unanswered points against an Italian team that, by all accounts (see RFU match report), rarely challenged for points.

It took only three minutes for Hertfordshire's Michaela Staniford to start England on their way, and by half-time England were 22 points ahead. Four team changes did little to slow the scoring down, and the steady flow of points continued right to the end when Catherine Spencer touched down for her second try.

Next up for England is a home game against Ireland, followed by trips to Scotland and finally France - but the title should be done and dusted long before then. With 72 unanswered points from 160 minutes of play so far, the Red Roses (to use the "nickname" that the RFU are now calling the team) are on awesome form. In 2007 England shutout every team they played... except for France, who sneaked in a couple of late tries at Old Albanians. Who would bet against England putting that right this time round, and not conceding a point to anyone?

• Sunday: Wales returned to winning ways with a relatively straightforward 28-12 win over Scotland. Four tries - all converted by Non Evans - meant that the home side were rarely troubled (see WRU match report). However, the result leaves Wales in fifth place on points difference behind the Scots. The championship now takes a break before returning for what looks like being a fascinating weekend in a fortnight's time.

Position	Nation	Games				Points				Table points
		Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Difference	Tries
1	England	2	2	0	0	72	0	31	12	4
2	France	2	1	0	1	27	19	8	4	2
3	Ireland	2	1	0	1	31	24	7	3	2
4	Scotland	2	1	0	1	22	36	-14	3	2
5	Wales	2	1	0	1	28	43	-15	4	2
6	Italy	2	0	0	2	5	63	-58	1	0