ITOJE LEADS WAY FOR ENGLAND

MARO ITOJE changed the outcome of a pulsating Six Nations classic at Twickenham — and in the process took a major step towards changing the unwanted reputation he has acquired. With four minutes left, England needed a match-winner and the lock obliged by crashing over from close range. Having been a major part of the recurring problem which so undermined them against Wales a fortnight earlier, he provided a timely solution to salvage some honour and hope from this campaign for Eddie Jones’ side. Itoje was roundly condemned for being the chief culprit as England’s discipline unravelled during defeat in Cardiff. For a man used to plaudits, it was an unfamiliar scenario. This time, he was measured and composed. He gave away one penalty but retained control while imposing himself in trademark fashion. ‘A perception has come about with how I play the game,’ he said. ‘There is outside noise saying: “Maro Itoje gives away a lot of penalties”. Everything has an influence. ‘Things people say affect how referees prepare for games. At the moment, that’s the perception and I am working hard to change that. It’s only one game — I’ll have to do that on a consistent basis. ‘I want to still be as confrontational as I can. I don’t want to lose my key characteristics because then you might as well play somebody else. I know how I can influence a game, but it’s probably just about not trying to do it all. ‘I can still have moments in the game that I can influence, but it’s a bit of a balancing act. I have to choose my moments, have an understanding of the context of the game, where we are on the field, adapting to what the referee is doing a bit better — a combination of all of those things. It is about making better decisions. I need to understand and read referees better.’ This was England’s best display since the World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand. They didn’t allow Antoine Dupont’s secondminute try to unsettle them, or panic when Damian Penaud rounded off a textbook French move just after the half hour, England producing several devastating raids, especially in the lead-up to Anthony Watson’s tenth-minute try. Billy Vunipola was fully restored to vintage rampaging mode and brother Mako led the charge, while Tom Curry was relentlessly impressive. With Ben Youngs sniping regularly, George Ford pulling the strings shrewdly and Owen Farrell back in his authoritative stride, England had more of the fluency visible in patches in Cardiff. The sorrow for England was that this victory does not set them up for a shot at retaining the Six Nations trophy in Dublin next weekend. That ship had already sailed following losses to Scotland and Wales. But Billy Vunipola insisted: ‘This could be a springboard for us. There’s huge disappointment going into next week without the title on the line, but today was a really good step forward. ‘We talked about wanting to be the greatest team in the world and this will give us confidence; knowing we can mix it with the best teams out there and beat them.’