EDDIE JONES hailed the ‘special’ Tom Curry following his 2021 Lions series and reserved special praise for two other England stars.
The Aussie says he is planning to refresh the playing squad as his attention turns towards the 2023 World Cup in France.
England finished in a disappointing 5th place in the Six Nations, winning two of their five games against Italy and France.
And even though the World Cup is still more than two years away, Jones says his focus has already turned towards it.
However, these three current stars seem set to be still playing a key role in two years time following significant praise from the boss.
#1. Tom Curry
- Age: 23
- Position: Flanker
- Club: Sale Sharks
- England Caps: 33
Jones said: "I remember seeing him the first time playing for Sale, and it reminded me of the feelings I had when I watched a young George Smith in Sydney grade rugby. It's amazing he's still so young. He's going to be a special player."
D
ID YOU KNOW? Curry is the nephew of
former England hooker John Olver#2. Maro Itoje
- Age: 26
- Position: Second-row
- Club: Saracens
- England Caps: 48
Jones said: “Maro is one of the best players in the world and he plays the game on the edge. At the same time, there are areas of the game he needs to tidy up and he knows that. He’s a good boy, a good player. There are just a few things in his game he needs to tidy up.”
DID YOU KNOW? As a schoolboy, Itoje played several sports including
basketball,
football,
rugby and
athletics, representing
England at U17 level in
shot put #3. Mako Vunipola
- Age: 30
- Position: Loosehead-prop
- Club: Saracens
- England Caps: 67
Jones said: "He's probably the best loosehead in the world. He has ten carries a game and makes 15 tackles. you won't find any other loosehead who gets through those sort of numbers."
DID YOU KNOW? He toured with the
British & Irish Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021, winning 9 caps
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