England’s Nigerian-born rugby team captain, Maro Itoje was one of the major culprits in his side’s loss to Italy at the Six Nations Series, as he received a yellow that appeared to slow him down in the crucial encounter.
Sports247 reports that Itoje started brilliantly, as England required victory to get back into contention for the title, but he lost steam immediately after the booking and eventually ended up with average marks on the day.
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Down the line, Tom Roebuck restored England’s advantage just before the break, but yellow cards for Sam Underhill and Itoje proved pivotal, as the Italians took full advantage of playing on their home turf.
Ultimately, England were stunned 23-18 by Italy and Itoje’s side sank to a third straight defeat at the Six Nations, having earlier been beaten by Scotland and Ireland in their previous two matches.
Coach of the side, Steve Borthwick arrived with his wards in Rome looking to get back to winning ways, but they left Stadio Olimpico shell-shocked, after the hosts got their third win of the campaign, and left England fifth in the table.
Maro Itoje’s rating by Standard Express was five-over-ten and the verdict read, “Carrying still feels a little subdued. One vital turnover when England were under pressure and two more in the second half. But then yellowed, a bad one, stopping a maul.”
