Eddie Jones says Maro Itoje still has a lot of work to do in order to realise his full potential, despite the forward being named as World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the year after a stellar 2016.
Itoje started three of England’s five RBS 6 Nations matches as they went on to win the Grand Slam for the first time in 13 years – making his debut in their 40-9 win away at Italy.
The Saracens player also featured heavily on England’s successful 3-0 tour victory in Australia, before being shortlisted for World Player of the Year.
The 22-year-old missed England’s autumn series as Jones’ men completed an unbeaten 2016 – but he returned with a bang in the European Champions Cup last weekend as Saracens beat Sale Sharks 50-3, stealing four line-outs.
Jones has a lot of second-row options, with the likes of George Kruis, Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes, all vying for places alongside Itoje.
But Jones believes his young charge has to prove he is worth his salt as England prepare for their RBS 6 Nations defence in February.
“He’s a bit like a batsman who comes in and gets a couple of hundreds in his first Test,” Jones told BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight.
“The opposition start to work out his weaknesses.
“He’s got enormous potential. He has athletic qualities that could make him a standout player.
“The test for Maro is going to be now — he hasn’t had it yet.”
