THE MACHINE
A perfect physical specimen with an incredible engine and explosive power. How Maro Itoje became . . .
LIONS lock Maro Itoje was acclaimed as a ‘machine’ yesterday and the youngest member of Warren Gatland’s squad has swiftly emerged as a cult figure on this tour.
Last weekend, when the British and Irish side claimed a shock win in Wellington to level the series and set up a decider in Auckland on Saturday, the Saracens and England lock became the focus of adulation for the ‘Red Army’. Having been promoted to the starting XV in place of George Kruis — his team-mate for club and country — Itoje embellished his soaring reputation with a dynamic and relentless performance which had the euphoric hordes repeatedly chanting his name.
He was immense at the ‘Cake Tin’ as the Lions won 24-21 to become the first team to beat New Zealand on their own territory for eight years. Itoje’s 80- minute power- play was further proof of his clout and durability. He led the early charge and was still hurtling around making tackles and carries, clearing rucks and calling lineouts until the bitter end.
Not so long ago, England head coach Eddie Jones suggested that the 22-year-old Londoner was a Vauxhall Viva who was striving to be a BMW. What the triumph in Wellington proved is that he has a phenomenal engine and also the temperament to deal with more landmark occasions in his burgeoning career.
Asked about Itoje’s physical attributes yesterday, the Lions’ head of strength and conditioning Paul Stridgeon said: ‘He’s a machine. He’s a physical player, and he puts a lot of extra work in. We felt he could have played another 15 minutes on Saturday. He’s a powerful, explosive, natural athlete, but he puts the work in and reaps the rewards.’
A week after the tourists had been forced to join in a torrent of tributes to All Black lock Brodie Retallick, Itoje eclipsed him in the capital city. Asked to run the lineout, he recovered from two early wobbles in filthy weather to come through the storm in credit. And the postmatch stats told a tale.
The Lions No 4 made the most carries and tackles for his side. In defence and attack, he was immense.
One New Zealand newspaper awarded him a preposterous match rating of 4/10, but most observers recognised that the rookie was a major force in a historic achievement. Asked to reflect on his Saracens teammate’s performance, hooker Jamie George said: ‘I’d have given him nine or 10. He was exceptional.
‘He took himself to a place I’ve never seen before. And the way he ran the lineout... it was the toughest conditions I’ve ever thrown into, in terms of the wind and the rain. But he led that pack around. It was brilliant to be a part of.’
WHAT about the ‘ Oh Maro Itoje’ chants from the thousands of Lions supporters? ‘That was a bit surreal,’ said George. ‘They get stuck into it, so I’m happy for Maro!’
That chant has become established as the soundtrack of this Lions tour. It was the backdrop to an epic occasion and result. It wasn’t just the spectators who took part — Alun Wyn Jones was filmed walking towards the tunnel, chanting along with those in the stand.
Itoje will take the plaudits and the scrutiny in his stride. He has had a rapid ascent to the highest echelons of the world game, with countless titles and personal honours along the way, but nothing has fazed him yet. This is where the ‘machine’ tag acquires a different meaning. It could be a comment about the player’s physical attributes, or refer to his big-game mentality.
A Test series decider against the All Blacks, in New Zealand, is an event with sky-high stakes, but Itoje will savour the magnitude of the fixture at Eden Park. ‘I like to think I have the right frame of mind every time I go out on the pitch,’ he said. ‘Playing New Zealand in New Zealand is special. You don’t get these opportunities very often, especially with this shirt on.’
Behind the laid-back manner lies a competitive beast. Itoje has become accustomed to success; from winning a junior World Cup here, to Premierships and European Champions Cups with Saracens, not to mention a Grand Slam, another Six Nations title and a June tour whitewash with England. He does not take kindly to the notion of bending the knee to any opposition, even the ‘most dominant team in the history of the world’.
‘We aren’t here to be second best,’ he said. ‘We haven’t come to play second fiddle.’ The Lions believe they can trump the world’s pre- eminent rugby nation and if they are to do so, they will need their ‘machine’ and his own triumphant soundtrack.