Women's Six Nations: Injury-stricken England a game away from blockbuster title decider - talking points

Three wins from three, an average of nearly 60 points a game, a 36-game unbeaten streak and top of the Six Nations table - as Round Four approaches, the Red Roses are exactly where they want to be.

A stellar campaign so far means that England, should they beat Italy, would likely set up a final day title decider against fellow contenders France next Sunday May 17. Les Bleues sit second but are level on points with the world champions - and, first, have Scotland to beat to give themselves a chance at the trophy.

Meanwhile, winless Wales are looking to reclaim some pride as they face Ireland.

Here's everything you need to know for Round Four of the Women's Six Nations.

• Red Roses stay perfect with 10-try demolition of Wales
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England must avoid complacency against Italy as injuries pile

While many fans will be expecting England to produce another demolition job against an inferior Italy side, the Red Roses will be wary of the challenge their opponents pose amid a plethora of absences.

An injury to forward Alex Matthews, following a knock to Sadia Kabeya during the game against Wales, means that England will be missing eight of the 13 forwards from last year's World Cup final squad.

Italy, in comparison, enter the game buoyed by a landmark 41-14 victory over Scotland - a result that few saw coming after Le Azzure conceded 97 points in their first two matches at the tournament. Their front row impressed in the victory, led by two first-half tries from debutant Vittoria Zanette, perhaps providing a warning to to the Red Roses' makeshift forward line.

That said, England's task remains simple. Win, and they're one game away from a second consecutive Grand Slam.

France heavily favoured as damaged Scotland ring in changes

Scotland came out of round three as shell-shocked as they came out of round two. Their loss in Parma followed a humiliating 84-7 defeat to England, and the opposition gets no easier when they face title-challenging France.

The visitors have won all of their last three matches against Scotland - limiting the hosts to an average of just over seven points in those matches, while scoring an average of 36 themselves.

Scotland have made seven changes to their side in an effort to stop the rot, but that won't dampen France's hopes of a bonus-point victory. They are coming off an impressive away victory that effectively ended Ireland's hopes of silverware, with tournament-leading try scorer Anais Grando in glittering form and showing no signs of slowing down.

The hosts will be holding out hope for a more dignified performance in front of their home crowd after captain Rachel Gordon's late sending-off - but a heroic Scottish performance will be required should we see anything but a French win in Edinburgh.

Wales making progress despite dismal record

Wales have lost all three of their matches in the tournament so far and face a serious challenge against fourth-placed Ireland, but their head coach, Sean Lynn, is optimistic heading into the final two games.

"This is a new-look Wales squad and it's all about sticking to our principles and process and focusing on what we want to do and expect from ourselves in the Test arena.

"Every game in this tournament has seen us build another layer of the team we aspire to be and we expect to come away from Ireland having done the same.

"Ireland are an ambitious side and will be hurting after their run of results in the tournament and we know they will be looking to make a statement in Belfast on Saturday."

Women's Six Nations fixtures

Saturday May 9

• Italy vs England - Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (2pm kick-off)
• Scotland vs France - Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (4.15pm kick-off)
• Ireland vs Wales - Affidea Stadium, Belfast (6.30pm kick-off)

Sunday May 17

• Wales vs Italy - Cardiff Arms Park (12.15pm kick-off)
• Ireland vs Scotland - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2.30pm kick-off)
• France vs England - Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux (4.45pm kick-off)

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