Steve Borthwick anticipates a “big roar” for Maro Itoje when the England captain, who is in mourning, enters the match against Wales from the bench at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Jamie George will captain the side in the Six Nations opener, as Itoje takes on a substitute role, marking the first time since 2020 that he has not been included in the starting lineup for a Championship match.
The British and Irish Lions captain was unable to join the beginning of England’s training camp in Girona due to attending the funeral of his mother, Florence, in Nigeria after her passing in December.
Borthwick stated that assigning Itoje a supporting position against Wales is the appropriate decision considering the recent circumstances.
“We all sympathize with Maro and his family following the very unfortunate loss of his mother,” Borthwick told BBC Sport.
“Maro and I communicate frequently, as you would expect. This is the best course of action for him and the team this week.
“Maro was in Nigeria and returned to camp a day or two later than the rest. We decided for this match that it would be best for him to start on the bench.
“I believe he will have a significant impact. I also know the crowd will give him a warm reception when he approaches the touchline.”
Itoje has participated in every minute of the last 30 Six Nations matches, but this time he will be part of England’s ‘Bomb Squad,’ which includes fellow Lions Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, and Henry Pollock among six replacement forwards.
“Maro is doing well. As expected, he has fully engaged in the preparations here and has been a role model and an example for the other players, as he consistently is,” Borthwick remarked.
“This squad is truly developing a bond, as is the understanding among the players. That connection is crucial for us as a team.”
Henry Arundell will make his first start for England since the 2023 World Cup, having been named on the left wing.
Arundell played against Argentina in the bronze final two-and-a-half years ago but became unavailable after signing with French club Racing 92, only returning to Test rugby as a substitute against Fiji in the autumn after joining Bath.
Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman will occupy the centre positions, with Borthwick opting for a familiar pairing after the Northampton teammates were also combined for last year’s decisive wins over Wales and Australia.
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Alex Mitchell and George Ford will manage the half-back roles, while Freddie Steward and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will complete the backline.
Itoje’s absence from the starting lineup allows Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum to take their positions in the second row, with Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper as the flankers.
Borthwick has indicated that George Furbank and Tom Roebuck narrowly missed selection as they recover from calf and toe injuries, respectively.
