Maro Itoje clashes with Fin Smith as Italy defeat exposes England crisis
Maro Itoje was seen shouting at team-mate Fin Smith during England’s historic 23-18 Six Nations defeat against Italy in Rome as mounting pressure within Steve Borthwick’s squad was laid bare.
The Azzurri claimed their first-ever victory over the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, overturning an eight-point deficit to plunge their opponents into a state of crisis.
Tension within the touring camp was highlighted when the captain was captured aggressively ordering his fly-half to kick a penalty for three points.
Footage from the tight contest shows the experienced lock shouting “don’t argue with me, take the three” after the playmaker appeared to suggest kicking for the corner.
Pundits question indecision in England camp
Former Wasps winger Ugo Monye questioned whether the visible disagreement on the pitch highlights deeper, fundamental issues within the national setup.
“That level of indecision, is it indicative of where England are?” asked the former international on BBC’s Rugby Special.
Former Scotland forward John Barclay echoed those sentiments, noting that the sudden eruption of frustration illustrates the intense scrutiny currently surrounding the squad.
“There’s so much pressure, and there’s a bit of an explosion there,” Barclay stated.
Six Nations campaign on brink of collapse
Ex-Wales captain Sam Warburton defended the tactical decision to take the points but admitted the heated exchange revealed a group feeling the strain.
“Maro knew it was going to be three, but I think pressure does funny things to you,” Warburton explained.
The shock weekend result leaves Borthwick’s side languishing in fifth place in the tournament standings with just one victory and six points from four matches.
The struggling squad must now travel to Paris for a daunting finale against France, where another defeat would condemn them to their first four-loss campaign since 1976.
