ITOJE ON REVENGE MISSION TO ROME

WHEN Maro Itoje arrives at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, it will bring back vivid memories of his England debut in Rome two years ago. In the words of Eddie Jones, he arrived in the Italian capital as a ‘Vauxhall Viva’ but has since become a Rolls Royce in the England pack. The 23-year-old has developed into one of the world’s leading forwards but, seeking a hat-trick of Six Nations titles, he insists he is as hungry now as he was back then. ‘From the second I walked on that pitch, I then became an England player,’ recalled Itoje. ‘It was something I’d been working towards for quite a while and it was a surreal moment for me and my family. I remember seeing how happy my dad was. My parents live for away days now. ‘This is my third Six Nations and that was my first cap. I’ve definitely matured as a player and a person. Since I started playing international rugby, I feel as if I’ve done well but I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable. Comfortable sounds like you’re taking it easy and taking your foot of the gas.’ Despite still being in the early stages of his career, Itoje already has European titles, Lions caps and has made 14 appearances for England. He is now regarded as one of their marquee players, having been rested by Jones alongside Owen Farrell during the autumn. Back for the Six Nations, Itoje and England have promised to arrive in Rome with a ‘hunter’ mindset — and make amends for last year’s ‘no-ruck’ humiliation at Twickenham. ‘We want to be the aggressors, we want to take the game by the scruff the neck, we don’t want to be submissive in anything,’ said Itoje. ‘The game last year was played in pretty special circumstances. Due to the laws, it won’t be the same this time around. There was a bit of frustration after that game but you live and you learn.’