France see off Italy to keep Grand Slam dream alive

France edged closer to the Six Nations Grand Slam after a bonus-point 33-8 defeat of Italy under the closed roof at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. Italy were a match for France, who secured their third straight win, for long periods of the first half but found themselves 19-0 down after half an hour as the hosts ran in three tries. Wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey went over in the third minute, scoring for the eighth successive Six Nations match, and the Italian try line was breached again by second row Emmanuel Meafou before centre Emilien Gailleton’s superb break set up fly-half Thomas Ramos for the third try.

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Hollie Davidson to become first woman to referee men’s Six Nations tie

Scotland’s Hollie Davidson will become the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match when Ireland host Italy on 14 February. The 33-year-old is no stranger to landmark achievements, having become Scottish Rugby’s first full-time female referee in 2017 and the first woman to referee a New Zealand Test in November, when they beat Wales 52-26 in Cardiff.

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England run in seven tries against Italy to remain in contention

England are best placed to take advantage of any final-day slip-up by Six Nations leaders France after they moved up to second in the Six Nations table with a seven-try victory over Italy at Allianz Stadium. Wing Ollie Sleightholme crossed twice in an ultimately comfortable victory, but the hosts were made to sweat early on with Italy scoring two superb tries to stay within four points at half-time.

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Italy hang on to hand Wales first wooden spoon in 21 years

Italy beat Wales in Cardiff to achieve their most successful Six Nations campaign and consign their hosts to a first Wooden Spoon in 21 years. A try from wing Monty Ioane and two Paulo Garbisi penalties gave Italy an 11-0 half-time lead. Lorenzo Pani added a brilliant score with Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo kicking penalties. Wales responded with tries from Elliot Dee, Will Rowlands and Mason Grady to give the score some respectability.

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