England could deploy Itoje at blindside

9:07 PM GMT

• 

  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

  Close

  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

GOLD COAST, Australia -- England's 'Bodyline' approach for Saturday's first Test against Australia has seen Maro Itoje emerge as a potential option at blindside while Ben Te'o is in the mix to make his debut despite missing training on Monday.

The versatile Itoje has started in the second row for England but made his debut from the bench in their back-row and could yet be an option at blindside in this weekend's Brisbane Test.

When England assistant coach Paul Gustard was asked about whether Itoje could be considered away from his traditional second-row berth, he said: "As a coaching group we will meet tonight and start discussing the make-up of the team, what is required and the balance between ball carriers. It's up to us to fill in the blanks."

England will announce their matchday squad for the first Test on Thursday and Jones has a number of options at his disposal in the back-row with Chris Robshaw, James Haskell, Jack Clifford, Billy Vunipola and Teimana Harrison also in contention.

The make-up of the centres is still to become clear with Te'o in the mix at inside centre. He sat out training on Monday with "muscle soreness", according to the Rugby Football Union, but has impressed Gustard with how quickly he has adapted to England's game plan and should train on Tuesday.

"His ability to take on info quickly is an asset to him," Gustard said of Te'o. "He has fitted in really well, the boys have taken to him, he's a good lad, affable and pretty laid back. We're picking his brains on bits and pieces."

New Zealand-born Teo'o qualifies for England through his mother but has previously expressed an interest in playing for Ireland and was linked with a move to Super Rugby to come into contention for Australia.

However, his move to Worcester Warriors ahead of next season saw him become eligible for England. Jones fast-tracked him into the mix and the other players gave him an initiation into the squad on Sunday.

"He's made the decision to come here on the England tour, he's not with Ireland or back with Australia," Gustard said. "I think he has shown his allegiance by putting his foot in the camp. The boys may mock him, have a bit of fun with him, as they do.

"But I think his decision proves where he wants to be. We weren't allowed in the initiation, but I could hear them laughing and having fun."

Let's block ads! (Why?)

England could deploy Itoje at blindside