4. Maro Itoje (Honourable Mention to Ollie Chessum)
After a shaky start to the Six Nations, Maro Itoje has bounced back from the criticism, and proved the doubters wrong. A sub-par performance by his own standards against Scotland sent Itoje into the scrutiny spotlight, however, the Saracen responded in his own style, keeping quiet and letting his actions do the talking.
Leading the tackle charts for England with 58 completed hits in four matches, Itoje is back to his defensive best. Again excelling at the set-piece, the lock is leading the line-out with confidence, and imposing himself on the breakdown. Itoje has made four turnovers in this year’s Championships, which also tops the charts for England players.
An honoruabe mention must go to Itoje’s lock partner Ollie Chessum, as few would have expected Chessum to establish himself as a nailed on starter within the England second row, so soon after his debut. Little over a year since Chessum’s off-the-bench debut, in England’s 33-0 whitewash of Italy in last years’ Six Nations, the 22-year-old looks set to be one of Borthwick’s starting locks for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, once he is able to return to full fitness.
If all goes to plan, Chessum’s injury timeline sees the lock set to return to England in August, ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup the following month. Borthwick has confirmed these plans, and after an astounding Six Nations campaign, it was such a shame for Chessum to suffer the untimely dislocated ankle in training.
He will undergo ankle surgery on Monday, and has been written out of the St Patrick’s weekend trip to Dublin, yet his four previous Six Nations appearances were superb. Everything you would want from an international calibre second row, Chessum is a workhorse in defence, with deceptive pace to tackle the most elusive ball carriers.
Chessum has established a word-class lock partnership with Maro Itoje, and even out-performed the veteran lock against Scotland. England’s Assistant Coach Kevin Sinfield said how Chessum will be missed against Ireland.
He told BBC Sport; “Really disappointed, he’s been outstanding for us throughout this campaign. He’s a big loss for us. So our thoughts and wishes are with him and we hope for a speedy recovery.”