“Itoje operates on a different planet to normal players”
STEPHEN JONES
Rugby’s most outspoken and influential journalist
SO HOW high will Maro fly in 2021? England will be setting off on a campaign to win the Six Nations Grand Slam – and if that isn’t a target for Eddie Jones, then he should not be in his job. Saracens, perhaps occasionally with the assistance of their great lock, will be fighting to return to the Gallagher Premiership.
And then, above all, the British & Irish Lions, Covid-19 permitting, will be travelling to South Africa to play the Springboks, the world champions. We can shelve, just for now, our complaints at the wholly inadequate preparation time and the fact that yet another Lions party will not be allowed to maximise itself. The tour will raise the profile of the sport and everyone who takes part in it.
No prizes for guessing the bookmakers’ favourite to be captain. Itoje’s leadership experience is short but significant – he led England U20 to the world title in 2014. Since then, while he is clearly a leader on the
