Maro Itoje form is trump card in Lions call | Peter Jackson
DONCASTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Maro Itoje of Saracens looks on during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Doncaster Knights and Saracens at Castle Park on April 18, 2021 in Doncaster, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
MARO Itoje has one advantage over Alun Wyn Jones when it comes to Test selection for the Lions. The England lock is as sure as any player can be of his place in the starting XV.
Very few others can be as sure. Anthony Watson on the right wing, Robbie Henshaw at inside centre, Tadhg Furlong at tighthead, Taulupe Faletau at No.8 have all earned the right to belong in such exalted company as has James Ryan. And therein lies the rub for Jones when it comes to the captaincy.
Assuming he proves none the worse for the head blow which has kept him inactive for the last six weeks, Ryan would surely command a Test place, locking the scrum with Itoje. In a perfect world, the captain has to be certain of his place.
Jones may end up competing with a revitalised Jonny Gray for a place on the bench which strengthens the case for Itoje.
Sam Warburton believes Itoje's time has come at 26 for the ultimate accolade and he knows better than anyone what it entails.
The Welshman was two years younger when he first led the Lions in Australia in 2013.
