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Maro Itoje sends warning to rest of rugby world about what England are capable of

By PA
Maro Itoje wins the ball ahead of Kiwi rival Brodie Retallick. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Maro Itoje reflects on England’s 2020 Guinness Six Nations triumph by declaring their potential is only just starting to be realised.

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One year after a shattering defeat to South Africa in the World Cup final, Eddie Jones’ men have rebuilt by edging France on points difference to claim a third tournament crown in five years.

Next up is the Autumn Nations Cup, which replaces the customary end of year tours undertaken by the southern hemisphere giants, but the longer-term goal is France 2023.

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The strange moment England lifted the 2020 Six Nations trophy…

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The strange moment England lifted the 2020 Six Nations trophy…

“We’re only just getting started in terms of where we think we can go,” said Itoje, who was outstanding in Saturday’s 34-5 victory over Italy.

“We’ve won this tournament and have been reasonably successful in the past, but the exciting thing for us is where we can go and where we can take everything.

“We have a group of guys who are unbelievably committed and love playing for England.

“Our win against Italy is the first time we’ve played together for a while. It wasn’t the smoothest of games, but it’s a great foundation for us to progress from.”

A mantra of Jones has been for England to inspire the country as it grapples with the coronavirus pandemic and Itoje knows the powerful role sport has to play in offering comfort in dark times.

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“For us to put smiles on people’s faces we just need to play good rugby, conduct ourselves in the right manner, and win for England,” Itoje said.

“If we win for England people are genuinely happy. The world is here, there and everywhere at the moment. A lot of things aren’t straightforward.

“Sport has the power to unite people, sport has the power to put a smile on people’s faces, sport has the power just to lighten the mood a little bit when people are going through tough times.

“If us, as an England team, can do that, that’s one of the greatest things we can do.”

Itoje reforged his age-grade second row partnership with Jonny Hill, the Exeter double winner who made a highly promising debut at the Stadio Olimpico that was only marginally tarnished by a yellow card for an arm to the head.

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Itoje video <a href=
Saracens rivals” width=”1920″ height=”1080″ /> Maro Itoje grapples with Gareth Davies (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside via Getty Images)

Jones believes that Hill can be the answer to England’s search for a successor to George Kruis, the 45-cap line-out master who is departing for Japanese club rugby.

“George is a great player. He left the jersey in a better place than when he picked it up. He’s a great line-out operator, he’s good around the park and I have a lot of respect for him,” Hill said.

“But I don’t want to be a George Kruis, I don’t want to be a Geoff Parling. I want to be Jonny Hill – the best version of myself – and put a different twist on the shirt.

“I’m really honoured to have the first shot at the shirt and I am going to try and put it in a better spot.”

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Bull Shark 42 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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