General · 2 February 2026
Steve Borthwick predicts big roar as Maro Itoje benched for England
England head coach Steve Borthwick names star lock Maro Itoje on the bench for the pivotal Six Nations opener against Wales. Borthwick explicitly predicts a "big roar" from the Twickenham crowd when Itoje enters the field to impact the game's final stages. This tactical selection sees the experienced forward utilized as a "finisher" rather than a starter, aiming to inject energy and dominance into the pack during the second half.
Reported by Cumnock Chronicle · How we write briefs