AGONY OF DEFEAT

MARO ITOJE is one tough cookie but he could hardly hide the intense pain he and the whole England team felt after their defeat by South Africa. Yet the 25-year-old lock – one of the outstanding players of the tournament and man of the match in England’s semi-final win over New Zealand – aims to learn from the crushing experience.

He is among a number of younger England players who are already hoping for redemption when the tournament is staged in France in four years’ time.

Itoje would not wear his medal around his neck when former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont presented him with it after the match.

But he said: “We are trying to draw positives out of the journey despite being very gutted that we couldn’t get the job done.

‘‘We want to get better and most of this squad will be at the next one. It is a long way away to think about now but our goal is to do better next time around.’’

Itoje is one the key England players, such as flanker Tom Curry and winger Anthony Watson, who are aged 26 and under and will believe that they have another chance ofworld Cup glory in

2023.

Itoje accepted his silver medal fromworld Rugby chairman Beaumont after the game but refused to have it placed around his neck.

He said it was just too painful watching Beaumont then give the South Africans their gold medals.

“Losing this game was one of the most painful experiences that I have had in life, not just my rugby career. It is not easy,’’ said Itoje, who is a serial winner at club level with Premiership side Saracens.

“It is not exactly a disco in the England dressing room but we are united.

“We are sticking together.we are talking to each other and consoling each other.

“It is a tough time and tough period to go through but, if we stay together, then I am sure all will be well in the long run.

“We are disappointed to lose. Our goal was to win theworld Cup and we have fallen short.’’