Eddie Jones expects Maro Itoje to flourish for England in Chris Robshaw's absence
Thursday 2 February 2017 18:34, UK
England coach Eddie Jones expects Maro Itoje to flourish in Chris Robshaw's absence and make a big impression against France in Saturday's Six Nations opener at Twickenham.
Itoje will switch from second row to make his first start at blindside flanker as Robshaw, who has played a key role in England's run of 14 unbeaten matches since Jones took charge, is sidelined by a shoulder injury.
Jones has no doubts that Itoje will make the switch a success as England begin their title defence against Guy Noves' improving side, although they will do so without George Kruis, who has been ruled out of the match by a knee injury sustained in training.
"[Itoje] has got big shoes to fill," said Jones. "Chris Robshaw has been one of our integral players in the team with his work rate but Maro has trained well in that position and we believe he can make a really good fist of it.
"He brings his lineout skills. He will give us a third jumper in the line which will make Steve Borthwick happy.
"George [Kruis] is with the surgeon now and we should get more information on him this afternoon. We haven't given up hope of him featuring in the Six Nations."
Kruis' absence and Itoje's move to the back-row to play alongside Nathan Hughes and Tom Wood means Joe Launchbury is reinstated to the second row alongside Courtney Lawes.
Jones has opted to start with Elliot Daly on the left wing ahead of Jack Nowell, who missed Tuesday's training sessions due to personal reasons and was only back in the England camp on Thursday.
Nowell starts on the bench with Daly, sent off for tackling Leonardo Senatore in the air in the Autumn International against Argentina, getting the nod ahead of him and Jones has also welcomed the return of prop Joe Marler from a fractured leg.
"Elliot did superbly for us in the autumn. He has a big left-foot kick and he has genuine pace. Jack's absence had nothing to do with the selection. It is more a case of horses for courses," Jones said.
"[Marler] was the form loosehead of the last Six Nations. He has been through rigorous training and looks mentally and physically ready to go."
Despite the injury problems he has had to contend with Jones insists he is happy with his starting line-up.
"We've been able to select a very strong and experienced team to play against France and we are excited to get the tournament under way," he said.
"France have been improving steadily under Guy Noves. They have really got the passion back into their game.
"We have to be very rigorous and disciplined in the way we play. We have a very strong bench to finish it off for us."
England will register a national record 15th successive victory if they dispatch France and will surpass New Zealand's milestone of 19 Test wins if they repeat last year's Grand Slam.
