Maro Itoje out to change perceptions after stand-out effort in Le Crunch
England's Maro Itoje hopes his performance against France changes the perceptions of him as a player. - Credit: DAVID DAVIES/PA
Max Malins may have made his first England start in a thrilling victory over France but it was another player who once donned the Old Albanian jersey that stole the limelight.
Maro Itoje's try five minutes from time, converted by fellow former pupil of Harpenden St George's Owen Farrell, proved decisive in the 23-20 success in the Six Nations at Twickenham.
And while it hasn't completed eradicated memories of indifferent performances against Scotland and Wales, for Itoje, one of the main culprits in the undisciplined showing in Cardiff, it was a cathartic performance and one he hopes alters the perception of how he plays.
He said: "There's been a bit of perception that has come about with my game and how I play it. I am just working hard to try and change that.
"If you give away five penalties then referees will hear the outside noise that says Maro Itoje gives away a lot of penalties. Everything has an influence.
"Things that people say, things that people think - they all affect how referees prepare for the game. At the moment that's the perception.
"Obviously I never want to lose my bite, I never want to lose my edge. I believe my mentality makes me the player I am. I want to still be as confrontational as I can.
Most Read
- 1 Major snack brands relocate to St Albans from London
- 2 St Albans school teacher recognised with national award
- 3 Herts county council admits too much rubbish means recycling being dumped in landfill
- 4 Market gazebo trial delayed as council admits it cannot fund scheme
- 5 Home-owners' frustration over lack of action to tackle street flooding
- 6 Hertfordshire's most expensive homes 2020
- 7 Council loses appeal over St Peter's Street development scheme
- 8 Pupils pause to play at St Albans primary school
- 9 Nothing to hide! How I became a convert to naturism
- 10 11 things you might not know about St Albans' new Mayor
"I know what I can bring to a team and how I can influence a game. But, at the same time, I want to change that perception.
"It's just about making better decisions. I need to understand and read referees better. Make better decisions when I am on the field.
"I didn't give away as much against France, so that's a step in the right direction."
His score was his third try in 47 Tests and along with Farrell's 13, and a try from Anthony Watson, it helped overturn a half-time deficit.
And Itoje hopes the confidence the win brings can be carried into the final game on Saturday away to Ireland.
He said: "I don't really score much, it's once in a blue moon, so I'll take it whatever it looks like.
"This performance was not perfect. There were still loads of things that we can get better and be a bit sharper at but I do believe we were better and it was a bit more of what we want to be as a team."
