Australia vs England: Maro Itoje set to replace Chris Robshaw at flanker as Ben Te'o prepares for debut
Itoje looks poised to start at blindside flanker to negate the impact of David Pocock and Michael Hooper with Joe Launchbury retained in the second row
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Maro Itoje's international career numbers only four caps but he has already made an impression on Australia as England prepare to unleash him at blindside flanker for Saturday's opening Test.
Itoje is poised to replace Chris Robshaw in the belief that his dynamism and ability to make big impacts will help neutralise Wallabies back row duo David Pocock and Michael Hooper at Suncorp Stadium.
The 21-year-old Saracen made his debut as recently as February and to date has only started in the second row, but a breakthrough season decorated with Aviva Premiership and Champions Cup winners has been noted Down Under.
"The kid can play. He's got some game. He's got some good physical presence on the field," Wallabies assistant coach Nathan Grey said.
"And he's been consistent and when you are stepping up to international level, that consistency is probably the hardest thing to maintain.
"I am sure (England head coach) Eddie Jones has got a lot of confidence in him and he's got a lot of confidence in himself.
"It's impressive that he's adapted to Test rugby despite his age. It's good to have people coming through your system like that. He performed at under-20 level and stepped up. He's doing a good job."
Rugby league covert Ben Te'o could make his debut at inside centre in Brisbane on Saturday, although his fitness is shrouded in doubt after he missed training on Monday due to "muscle soreness".
The 29-year-old Worcester-bound midfielder, who switched codes with Leinster in 2014, is well known Down Under due to his spells at Brisbane and South Sydney.
"Ben is a great talent. He's been playing consistently well," Grey said.
"He provides a really good strong ball-carrying option and is very good defensively.
"His only weakness is his time in union. Taking that step up and playing at international level is a big step.
"Everything gets tested at a higher level, you have less time and less space and your skills and execution under pressure are the hardest things to replicate."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments