Scotland fight back to earn Women’s Six Nations victory in Italy

Scotland claimed victory in Italy for the first time this century to record their second win of the Women’s Six Nations.

The visitors responded well to a heavy loss against England last weekend, holding on for a 17-10 success in Parma.

Scotland could not make the most of early possession and territory and went behind just after the half-hour mark when Alyssa D’Inca crossed for an Italian try.

Five minutes later Scotland were level, though, the visitors using their power to propel Lana Skeldon over the line, making it 7-7 at half-time.

Two quick tries from Scotland in the 63rd and 69th minutes ultimately decided the contest, with first Emma Orr running in before Chloe Rollie ended another spell of pressure by going over.

A Sara Tounesi penalty brought Italy back within seven points, while Scotland finished with 14 players after dangerous play from Rollie, but the hosts could not take advantage.

The result sees the third place in the Women's Six Nations, and as a result qualification for the Rugby World Cup in 2025 and this year's WXV 1 competition, hang in the balance until the final day of the competition.

Scotland move into third place at the end of the first day of round four on eight points, while Italy and Ireland follow in fourth and fifth, both on six points. Wales, the only team without a win so far, are sixth with one point.

With this in mind, it's probable that Ireland vs Scotland will prove to be the deciding match for third place on Saturday 27th April.

However, if Wales secure a bonus-point win against France in the final match of round four and another bonus-point win against Italy in round five, in addition to altering their points difference to such an extent that they overtake any other team on the same points as them (providing Ireland vs Scotland finishes in either a draw with a try bonus-point for Scotland, or a bonus-point win for Ireland), they could also finish in third.

For Wales, who finished in third last year, reaching third place feels an improbable outcome due to the weight of the results required, but it is still mathematically possible.

Bonus-point wins for Italy and Ireland, or a draw with a bonus point for Scotland, would see third place decided on points difference.

England's 88-10 win against Ireland earlier in the day confirmed their top-three finish and place in WXV 1, which they won in 2023. France took the second spot of three in the top level as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two regardless of the results of the remaining matches.

With both England and France already qualified for the 2025 Rugby World Cup due to reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, the team that finishes in third will seal the only available RWC 2025 spot from the 2024 Women's Six Nations.