Thursday 17 March 2016 18:21, UK
England prop Alex Corbisiero believes lock Maro Itoje has all the makings of a future national team captain.
The 21-year old Saracens lock has impressed during England's Six Nations triumph and will once again start for Eddie Jones' side in Saturday's finale against France, following a man of the match performance against Wales last weekend.
Corbisiero, who is currently on a year-long break from rugby to heal from an array of injuries, told Sky Sports News HQ he believes Itoje is on his way to becoming one of the best in the world - and maybe even a future England skipper.
"I think he is a real world class standout in the making. I remember seeing him in the summer at the World Cup camp, and seeing him in that environment face to face. I was thinking this guy is going to be world class," said Corbisiero.
"This year, he has played amazingly well for Saracens. He had to wait for his opportunity, and he got it. And now, he's announced himself on the international stage.
"His physicality, athletic ability and his rugby brain and skill-set make him the potential to be as good as you can be in that position.
"They're going to bring him along slowly and gradually as he becomes more cemented in that team. He'll get more and more of a leadership role going forward.
"He's a hard worker and a leader and I do see him as a potential England captain in the making in the next few years. They don't need to rush him, but he's a potential standout."
England coach Jones has made two changes to the side to face France, as England look to secure their first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2003.
Mako Vunipola replaces Joe Marler at loose-head prop, with Danny Care coming in at scrum-half in place of Ben Youngs.
Marler was cleared on Wednesday of striking Wales' Rob Evans, making him available to face France, but Corbisiero believes the uncertainty over whether Marler would be suspended or not is why he is moved to the bench.
"I feel the disruption is what contributed to it. Maybe Eddie might have wanted to go with consistency in the week, and no question mark of how it's going to go," added Corbisiero.
"Mako is a great option and a great player to have in his place. I think Eddie went for the least disruption by banking on someone he knew was going to be available."
