Maro Itoje proves he's captain material with epic speech

Wednesday, 09 February 2022 at 15:26

byRugby Rucker

England lock Maro Itoje in the changing room on moving on from Scotland and focusing on the rest of the Six Nations.

EDITORS PICKS:

Three changes Will Greenwood would make to the England XV

England legend Will Greenwood has mapped out three possible changes that head coach Eddie Jones should make ahead of the clash with Italy this weekend

Based on the team he picked ahead of the 2022 Six Nations, he’d like to see at least three changes.

#1. Jack Nowell for Joe Marchant

Greenwood said: " England’s back line is rammed full of ballers. There must always be balance. Games are not played on paper and teams need difference. Alternative strike options. Nowell offers all that and is looking back to his best."

Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs during the Gallagher Premiership match between Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham Stoop, London on January 8th 2022. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

#2. Alex Dombrandt for Sam Simmonds

Greenwood said: "Dombrandt should be given some freedom to roam with a tidy front five. His telepathy with Marcus Smith, his ability to run the inside ball off his club 10 could be lethal for England and the consequence of his decoy runs will be hugely beneficial for the wider backs."

Alex Dombrandt of England warms up before the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

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#3. Courtney Lawes for Lewis Ludlam

Greenwood said: "Getting better and better with age. High levels of performance are a given now. He really doesn’t deviate below an eight out of 10. The old moniker of enforcer does not do his rugby justice any more. He is an all-court, ball-handling six."

Courtney Lawes, Captain of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK