Maro Itoje leads from the front but can’t fix England’s familiar frailties | England rugby union team

Maro Itoje leads from the front but can’t fix England’s familiar frailties | England rugby union team

Maro Itoje took on the role of England captain with the aim of bringing a tougher edge to the team and helping them close out matches under pressure. In his first game as captain, he showed flashes of brilliance but also highlighted England’s ongoing struggles in the second half. Despite his strong start, Itoje faced challenges as the match progressed, with England ultimately falling short against Ireland.

While Itoje’s leadership qualities were evident in the first half, his ability to influence the game waned in the second half. The drop-off in performance raised questions about England’s ability to maintain their intensity throughout the match. Despite his efforts, Itoje could not prevent Ireland from mounting a comeback and securing the victory.

As the new captain, Itoje will need to learn how to assert himself more effectively on the field and guide his team to success. His passion and determination were evident in the early stages of the game, with England executing their game plan to perfection. However, as the match wore on, Itoje’s impact diminished, and England struggled to maintain their momentum.

The match saw moments of brilliance from Itoje, including crucial tackles and defensive plays that disrupted Ireland’s attack. However, as the game progressed, England’s performance faltered, with Itoje unable to stem the tide of Ireland’s resurgence. Despite his best efforts, Itoje could not prevent England from succumbing to defeat.

In the end, Itoje’s captaincy debut was a mixed bag, with moments of promise overshadowed by England’s inability to maintain their performance levels. As he reflects on the match, Itoje will need to address the team’s shortcomings and find ways to lead them to success in future games.