'Who the hell is this guy?': Maro Itoje's first impression of England flanker Ben Earl
Ben Earl may be taking his debut World Cup by storm but Maro Itoje insists his England team-mate raised eyebrows when he first arrived at Saracens.
Earl has emerged as one of Englandโs top performers during their canter into the quarter-finals with a group game to spare and he is competing with Billy Vunipola to start at number eight against Samoa on Saturday week.
The dynamic back row was repeatedly overlooked by Eddie Jones despite being crowned Premiership Player of the season in 2022 and even under Steve Borthwick his 2023 Six Nations was cut short, with instructions to work on aspects of his game.
It was not until the World Cup warm-up fixture against Wales at Twickenham last month that he was finally picked in the starting XV โ three-and-a-half years after making his Test debut off the bench.
Now his reputation is soaring through his potent carrying, impact in attack and spirited on-field celebrations โ a far cry from the 18-year-old Itoje first encountered in 2016.
โWhen Ben came to Saracens I thought โwho the hell is this guy?โ He probably didnโt give the best first impression!โ Itoje said.
โHe was a young guy from Tonbridge and he had this floppy, public school hair. He was very sure of himself!
โHeโs always been a nice guy, but you just thought โwho the hellโs this guy?โ But heโs been great and heโs worked at his game.
โHe hasnโt had a linear path. Heโs had bumps, peaks and troughs along the way and heโs grown and grown and grown into the player that he is today.
โSome of the stuff heโs doing for England now weโve been seeing for a while at Saracens. And heโs only 25, so heโs only going to get better.
โHeโs got great physical attributes but heโs also very attentive, he wants to learn and he wants to improve.
โThrough his journey youโve seen the toughness and the ruggedness to his spirit that heโs kept on persevering.
โNo doubt he would have been a bit gutted because he would have thought he was playing really well and was deserving of a place, but for whatever reason he wasnโt getting a look-in.
โBut heโs stayed consistent with his performances and heโs always had a great mindset and attitude.
โIf youโre consistent over a period of time, even when the proverbial tunnel looks dark, there is light there and heโs shown that. Weโre only just beginning to see the fruits of his labour.โ
Not sure about the celebrations .but can't help but admire how he plays his rugby never gives up and just keeps getting better
Earl is not a Savea or Alldritt yet but can certainly become a 'best in position' player in the next year or two.