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Maro Itoje names the law change that robbed him of 'secret weapon'

(Photo by Dan Mullan/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

England forward Maro Itoje has bemoaned the law change that has robbed him of what he called his secret weapon. He also revealed the players he looked up to most as a youngster, and named who he thinks will be the breakout English star of the 2023 World Cup, the tournament that will bring to an end the long tenure of Eddie Jones in charge.

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A joint Q&A featuring Itoje and All Blacks back-rower Ardie Savea was the cover feature story in the latest edition of Rugby World magazine and the England second row/blindside revealed that he misses a breakdown tactic that was outlawed five years ago by a law change.

It was 2017 when law 16:4 regarding other ruck offences was changed to stop players from kicking the ball out of a ruck. The law amendment at the time read: “A player must not kick the ball out of a ruck. Sanction: Penalty kick. The player can only hook it in a backwards motion.”

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Kicking the ball at the ruck had been a feature during the breakthrough years for Itoje at international level and asked what changes have been bad since he started playing, he replied: “You’re no longer allowed to kick the ball in rucks, which used to be my secret weapon.”

That said, Itoje added that most of the changes that have happened on his watch have been positive. “There have been a lot of changes and for the most part, they have been good. By far it’s quicker and a lot more physical, even the rule changes from my Test debut to now… You almost look back to older games I played – and I still started playing relatively recently in the grand scheme of things – and you can see the way the game has moved forward and evolved.”

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Now 28 years old with 59 England Test caps to his name following his blindside start last Sunday versus Argentina, Itoje also listed the players he looked up to as a kid starting out in the game. “I was always a big Tom Croft fan,” he reported. “He was an awesome player, a player I looked up to – the 2009 Lions. I was also a Thierry Dusautior fan; I’d seen him be brilliant for France. He was a great back row, one of the best to do it.

“When I first started googling and looking at YouTube, it was Jonah Lomu. Then every England player in my generation looked up to Jonny Wilkinson. He was the superstar of the time, he still is now. All those players had a positive impact on me.”

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Switching to next year’s World Cup in France, Itoje named the England youngster he believes is a world star in the making. “Henry Arundell is a guy who has been the breakout of the last twelve months. He made his debut on the summer tour and is a good old Harrow boy.

“I’m sure he will continue to grow as a player and we will probably see a lot more of him. At the World Cup, I’m sure there will be a couple of bolters too.”

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TI 1 hour ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 2 hours ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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