Unflappable Maro Itoje proves he now deserves Lions captaincy | Gerard Meagher

03/15/2025 03:53 PM

England lock is finally turning into captain he was tipped to become, and should get ultimate accolade this summer

It was 12 years ago that England came here chasing the grand slam. It was Stuart Lancaster's second Six Nations in charge and though an unconvincing home victory over Italy had come the week before, hopes were high that England could seal a first clean sweep since 2003. They ended up being beaten so emphatically, that some of the Wales players were discussing where in town they would celebrate their 30-3 win – which earned them the title, snatched out of England's grasp – during the second half.

So poor were England that numerous members of the side played their way out of the British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia. Warren Gatland was on sabbatical from Wales at the time, Rob Howley in temporary charge, but the New Zealander put great stock in how players performed in hostile atmospheres away from home and based on the evidence of their limp surrender, a number of England players were suddenly out of contention.