“Quick cameo” – Maro Itoje sent off just 20 seconds after coming on

Maro Itoje may have made one of the shortest appearances in Six Nations history after entering the action for England against Wales at Twickenham, only to be ordered back to the touchline moments later.

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The England lock had been on the field for less than 20 seconds when another penalty was conceded. While the incident itself was relatively minor, it proved to be the final straw for the referee after England had already given away a rapid succession of infringements before Itoje’s arrival.

The official had seen enough.

What made the moment all the more jarring was the context. Itoje had been named on the bench following the recent death of his mother and received a warm ovation from the Twickenham crowd when he was introduced — a powerful show of support that quickly turned into disbelief.

Crucially, the story didn’t end there.

After returning to the field, Itoje went on to deliver an impactful performance, throwing himself fully into the contest in an emotional showing. At full-time, he was pictured embracing his father on the pitch — scenes that put the earlier chaos into perspective.

Rugby can be unforgiving, but sometimes it reminds you that the human stories matter most.

England were clinical and ruthless. Yet with Scotland next up, selection conversations are inevitable. Here are three players who didn’t fully convince — and the changes Steve Borthwick should consider.

Roebuck had a subdued opening half, largely starved of possession as England’s attack flowed almost exclusively towards Arundell’s wing. He showed his quality early in the second period with a sharp break and was rewarded with a try moments later, kicking on from there with far more involvement.

There were encouraging signs, especially given his lengthy spell out of action, but the slow start was notable. Against Scotland, England will want immediate impact out wide rather than waiting for the game to open up.

Replacement: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (if fit) or Ollie Hassell-Collins

Genge’s performance was a mix of industry and ill-discipline. He topped England’s tackle count in the first half and carried hard, but too often the positives were undermined.

A needless early confrontation with Alex Mann saw a penalty reversed, he was later caught offside, and he allowed Liam Williams to cleverly milk another penalty.

He was also held up when England were camped on the Welsh line — an example of effort without reward. It was busy, combative and committed, but the lack of composure disrupted England’s rhythm.

Replacement: Bevan Rodd

Coles quietly contributed to one of England’s strongest areas: the set piece. He applied pressure at the lineout and unsettled Dewi Lake, helping England dominate Welsh ball. His work-rate was evident, and in just 10 minutes after the restart he still managed five tackles.

This was not a poor display, but timing worked against him. With Itoje returning to the starting XV and reclaiming the captaincy, Coles is likely to make way despite doing little wrong.

Replacement: Maro Itoje