England vs Ireland: Start Maro Itoje ahead of Chris Robshaw, Lewis Moody urges Eddie Jones

EXCLUSIVE: Moody would also rush Tuilagi back
Above the rest: Maro Itoje’s ability at the line-out caught former England star Lewis Moody’s eye against Italy
(David Rogers/Getty Images)
Chris Jones23 February 2016

Lewis Moody today urged head coach Eddie Jones to hand Maro Itoje his first start for England in the match against Ireland on Saturday.

The former England captain would also rush ex-Leicester team-mate Manu Tuilagi back following his recovery from long-term injury and pick him to face Wales on March 12.

Itoje only made his debut as a replacement in the win over Italy nine days ago but Moody believes the 21-year-old’s ability in the line-out means he should start instead of former captain Chris Robshaw in the RBS Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

“I would 100 per cent start Itoje against Ireland,” said World Cup winner Moody. “While you could say that when Itoje came on against Italy they were starting to capitulate, he had to impress and did just that, winning a line-out and stealing ball at the break down. Robshaw and James Haskell are not natural jumpers and Itoje is, which would give England a third option in attack and defence at the line-out.

“Robshaw has been a real servant and maximised his ability — you can’t fault the man — but if you are looking to the future then Itoje has to start. He is big, powerful and dynamic with a skills set and temperament we haven’t seen very often in a young player. His performance off the bench in Rome warrants a start on Saturday.”

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Moody is perfectly qualified to examine the England back row having worn the No6 and No7 shirts during his 71-cap career.

He still wants a specialist openside in the team and said: “When Jones came in there was a lot of debate over a genuine No7 and we haven’t had one since Neil Back. I thought Gloucester’s Matt Kvesic would get a chance as Steffon Armitage is playing overseas. I thought Jones would pick an out-and-out No7 and Kvesic is the only one we have with the right body shape and core strength. I would love to see him get a chance.”

Moody, who will be back in action for England legends at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday night, is also convinced that Tuilagi is a special case.

The Leicester centre returned from a hamstring problem last week, which was his second comeback of the season having previously been sidelined for 15 months with a groin injury. Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill says Tuilagi needs more game time before he plays for England but Moody wants to see him take on Wales.

“If I was Jones I would have Manu back in a heartbeat,” said Moody. “There is no one like Manu in the Premiership. In terms of midfield options for England there really isn’t anyone else and if I was Jones I would be doing whatever was needed to convince Cockerill that Manu needed to be back in the England set-up.”

Lewis Moody will be taking part in the England v Ireland Legends match at theTwickenham Stoop on Friday night (7.45) to raise money for Restart Rugby and The IRFU Charitable Trust.

QBE Business Insurance is the proud sponsor of England Rugby. In partnership with the RFU, QBE recruited and trained 2,015 new Level 2 rugby coaches through the QBE Coaching Club. For more information go to QBEeurope.com

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