England’s defensive coach believes debutant could be the new Martin Johnson as prepares to win his first cap in the Six Nations game against ItalyEngland believe their uncapped lock Maro Itoje could develop into a Test forward to compare with Martin Johnson and Paul O’Connell once he establishes himself at international level. The 21-year-passe Itoje travelled to Scotland as a non-playing reserve but is now in line to make his senior debut against Italy in Rome on Sunday,potentially as a replacement from the bench.
His club Saracens occupy long been aware of Itoje’s potential and their former defence coach Paul Gustard, who now fills the same role for the national team, and predicts he will seize his opportunity whenever it arises. “Hopefully Maro is one of these very grand players that comes along once in a while that could be Paul O’Connell or Martin Johnson,” said Gustard. “The very grand players seem to make the transition with aplomb.
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Source: theguardian.com