Maro Itoje is enduring a difficult month in England, but that does not mean he is looking for an escape from the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being one of the country’s leaders.
The Saracens lock, who turned 30 last month, has topped every post-match survey since the Autumn Nations Series was lost to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
As senior vice-captain, he took command on the field when Jamie George replaced him in the third quarter of each game. This meant Itoje was in charge during a key period when England suffered painful defeat.
He was serving as skipper when George Ford’s late penalty and drop-goal shot went just wide against New Zealand.
He was serving as skipper when Australia shattered England’s hopes with a match-winning try in the 80th minute courtesy of Itoje’s restart leak. And he was acting skipper when South Africa repelled the home side’s final quarter attack on Saturday to hand England their fifth successive defeat.
Itoje’s decision-making and discipline were forensically and critically analyzed, increasing his personal burden. But he showed commanding authority by confronting the tough questions head-on, and several more followed the Springboks’ setback.
Maro Itoje insists England’s national team is a ‘mecca’ despite plans to split the league.
Although Itoje endured a difficult month with his country, he did not seek escape from surveillance.
Itoje has a key role in collective contract agreements as director of the new Team England Rugby management company, which looks after the interests of national team players. So what does he make of the news that some of the best players from around the world are targeting lucrative deals to join the groundbreaking league?
‘The first time I heard about it was when it collapsed,’ he said. ‘Let’s wait.’
It is already clear that the RFU will take a firm stance on denying players leaving the Premier League to represent their country and on this key issue, Itoje pointed out: ‘Playing for England is Mecca.
‘I don’t know any of the details (Rebel League) yet, but wearing this rose is very important for me and my teammates.’
There was no doubt about the momentum of the message. no. thank you Any new business that will impact Itoje’s England career will have to get underway without him.
This is likely to be the view of many players in the prime of their Test careers, despite reports that the hefty sum on offer is already turning the heads of some celebrities.
Second-in-command Steve Borthwick is considered a favorite to succeed George as national captain in the not-too-distant future, and is also seen as a strong contender for the Lions captaincy.
So, during these difficult times working in England, Itoje is willing to dig in and show his resilience rather than jumping ship to join what is being described as a ‘traveling circus’.
Itoje was at the helm during a key period in which England suffered painful defeats.
However, he is considered a strong candidate to succeed Jamie George (right) as national team captain.
As South Africa cruised to a 29-20 win at Twickenham, much attention was focused on Itoje’s decision to go for a corner in a penalty attack instead of opting for a shot on goal to reduce the deficit.
About this he said: ‘With all these decisions, hindsight is 20/20. I think it was a good decision both at the time and now. But that decision depends on our execution. As players we have to be better.’
At least England have narrowly avoided a further drop in the world rankings due to their latest defeat. They remain seventh but will drop to eighth if a resurgent Australia beat Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday. Wales remain in 11th place, ahead of Georgia, after being beaten 52-20 by the Wallabies.
Meanwhile, England’s new wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been shortlisted for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
South Africa dominate the shortlist for the Player of the Year award, with Bok trio Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ireland captain Kaylan Dorris Caelan Doris) joined the four candidates.
