Itoje: We have our eyes on the prize
MARO ITOJE believes England can build towards a Six Nations title challenge this year after surviving ‘thunderbolt moments’ to claim a comeback win over Wales at Twickenham. The Lions lock was outstanding in the tense 16-14 victory, as England rallied from a ninepoint deficit at half-time to claim a second successive win. England and Ireland are the only unbeaten teams and Itoje outlined a mood of ambition. England had lost the opener in the previous three years, and Itoje said: ‘It’s a different position for us and we’ve got a little bit of momentum.
‘It means we’re in the game. It means we’re in the tournament. It means we’re putting ourselves in a positive position, which we may not have done in previous campaigns. And, yeah, it means that we have our eyes on the prize.’
Since Ireland’s commanding victory over France in Marseille on opening night this year, the widespread perception is that Andy Farrell’s squad are on their way to a second Grand Slam in a row. But England will host the title favourites at Twickenham on March 9, with the conviction that they will improve by then. ‘If you look at our performances during the World Cup, we built throughout the tournament,’ said Itoje. ‘I think we’re going to do the same in this Six Nations. ‘The two games we’ve had have been relatively tight. I think the level of the Six Nations has gone up. We’re looking forward to the challenge of Scotland next. We’re looking forward to going up there and hopefully getting a result. That’s the plan.’
On the Wales win, Itoje added: ‘The first half didn’t go as planned, but we found a way. That’s the growth of this team, we are finding a way to overcome challenges. ‘Perhaps a couple of years ago, we would have spiralled. In every Test match, whoever you play, there are thunderbolt moments. In the first half, we had a few of those and it is just about staying composed and staying in it.’
Steve Borthwick gave his players and staff a few days off before they reconvene for training at Twickenham later in the week — with an open session in front of a sell-out crowd of 10,000 lined up on Friday.
‘I think it’s important to have some time away from each other and then come back in,’ said the head coach.
He revealed that some veteran players were offered the option of additional time off, which they all declined. England should be boosted by reinforcements this week, with Leicester lock George Martin poised for a return to full training and Manu Tuilagi also set to be available again. Asked about the Sale centre, Borthwick said: ‘Every report I get is positive so far.’