Despite an early Non Evans penalty, Italy enjoyed a good deal of possession and territory in the first half and were first to cross the try line courtesy of a pushover score from flanker Giuliana Campanella. Centre Veronica Sciavon failed to convert and Wales were quick to re-take the lead, as left wing Lou Rickard ran in a try from 10 metres.

The second half saw Non Evans make a break after three minutes which created enough space for Hayley Baxter to score a try. Evans duly converted. Italian ill-discipline meant they were a player down for 20 minutes of the second half, with first Campanella then hooker Elisa Cucchiella being sent to the cooler.

Rachel Poolman enjoyed a successful first outing at outside half after switching with Naomi Thomas at outside centre, capping her performance with a stunning solo try. After working a gap in the centre of the field, Poolman dummied and ran 20 metres to the try line, with Evans adding the extras. In the dying minutes, it was centre Clare Flowers’s turn to show a clean pair of heels to finish with a flourish.

England, meanwhile, are still on course for an unprecedented third straight Grand Slam as they put an unanswered 31 points past France in Bergerac. Claire Allan notched the first score in the opening minute, Tamara Taylor breached the French line as did captain Catherine Spencer, whilst Sarah Beale crossed for a brace.

Ireland Women opened the third round weekend of games on Friday as they hosted Scotland and had to work hard against a determined Scottish side to earn the 13-3 victory.

Scotland notched the opening score with a penalty from Sarah Gill. Before the close of the first half Ireland took the lead with a try from Jo O'Sullivan, which spurred the Irish into action in the second half in which they continued to attack.

Grace Davitt gained a penalty and Irish captain Sarah Jane Belton breached the whitewash again to seal the victory for her side, setting up a crunch match with Wales in two weeks.