AFP, LONDON
Maro Itoje might be set to exceed Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson’s tally of 84 England caps against New Zealand at Twickenham tomorrow, but he also wants to match his fellow lock’s trophy haul as well.
The only time England have won the men’s World Cup was when Johnson led the team to glory in Australia back in 2003.
For 29-year-old Itoje, a member of the England side beaten by South Africa in the 2019 final in Japan, team glory matters more than individual honors.
England’s Maro Itoje wins the ball during their Six Nations rugby match against Ireland in London on March 9 last year.
Photo: EPA-EFE
“The big thing is not just about racking up caps, racking up appearances for England,” Itoje told reporters on Wednesday. “What Martin Johnson did was win.”
“He won Six Nations, big games against southern-hemisphere teams. While I’ve also done that in my career, there’s more to come. Him and some of the other guys in yesteryear set the standard in terms of winning,” he said.
“I don’t want to just get to a high number of caps and for it to look good on my rugby CV. I want to be part of winning England teams,” he added.
England were twice defeated by the All Blacks during a two-Test tour of New Zealand in July, going down 16-15 and 24-17,
“The growth of this team will be turning those tight losses into wins and hopefully bigger wins down in the future,” said Itoje.
Meanwhile, the Saracens star is confident England’s squad morale will be maintained despite the decision to award a limited number of enhanced player contracts.
Itoje is one of 17 players who have a fixed deal worth about ￡160,000 (US$207,474) per year as part of a new agreement between England’s governing Rugby Football Union and the 10 Premiership clubs.
It also allows England coach Steve Borthwick to have the last word on all medical matters relating to those players, including the timing of any surgery they might require.
Those without an enhanced contract would receive a match fee of 3,000 dependent upon their selection, thereby creating a two-tier system within Borthwick’s squad.
Ben Spencer, Will Stuart and Chandler Cunningham-South are three starters in England’s run-on 15 for tomorrow’s opening November international against New Zealand who are without a contract.
However, Itoje said all those with a new deal are well aware their contracts would not be renewed if they underperform, while the availability of up to eight further elite player squad contracts provide an incentive for the rest of the side.
