Six Nations
Eddie Jones wants to turn Maro Itoje 'into a BMW' for England
ESPN Staff
February 12, 2016

Eddie Jones says he wants to turn uncapped England lock Maro Itoje "from a Vauxhall Viva into a BMW".

The England head coach, whose father owned a pink Vauxhall Viva, used the motoring analogy to describe the transformation he wants to see from the 21-year-old, who has been in outstanding form for Saracens this season. 

Itoje is one of six fowards named on England's replacements' bench for the RBS 6 Nations clash, putting him on the verge of his international debut in Rome.

"Maro is a young kid who has a good head on his shoulders," Jones said.

"He's like a Vauxhall Viva now, we want to make him into a BMW. He's got a lot of work to do, but he's got potential."

Maro Itoje
Maro Itoje© David Rogers/Getty Images

When asked if Itoje will get some miles on the clock on Sunday, Jones replied: "It's a possibility."

Meanwhile, Jones insisted Danny Care, Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler will all have roles to play at the Stadio Olimpico.

The trio all started the opening win over Scotland at Murrayfield but have dropped out of the starting XV for the visit to Italy.

"All we've done is change the batting order and that suits us for the game we want to play against Italy," Jones said.

"We were happy with Joe Marler's performance. Joe Launchbury was a bit off-colour so we'll give Courtney an opportunity and Joe will finish the game.

"We want to play a particular style at the start of the game and at the end of the game, so we'll start with Ben and finish with Danny."

Jones is unconcerned by the lack of centre cover on a bench that features six forwards and two backs.

"I've got no worries. We've got a six-two split. Why do you have to go five-three? I might go seven-one next week," Jones said.

"Tradition says you have to go five-three, but there is no reason you have to do that.

"Against Scotland we needed more forwards off the bench. We needed more forwards because that's the game we had to play. We're not set by tradition, so next week we might go seven-one.

"Test rugby is always the same, it's about set piece and defence. If we get that right, it will give us the opportunity to get our attack right."

PA Sport contributed to this report.

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