MARO: WE BLEW BIG CHANCE

MARO ITOJE set his sights on world champions South Africa, cursing a blown opportunity and asking why England can still only play in patches. The Saracens star (left) said: “We are happy with the comeback but it feels like we could have done more.” He expressed frustration at England’s growing tendency to only get their act together when they are trailing.

“It kind of feels like an opportunity missed,” he said.

“We didn’t get out of the blocks and left it until the second half, where all the pressure was on us to finally be free and play the type of rugby we want to play.

“I’m proud that we stuck in and didn’t go away but we need to play like that for the whole game. Why can’t we?”

England face South Africa on Saturday and Itoje added: “Hopefully, we’ll play with the energy with which we ended this game.”