Maro Itoje has acknowledged that he is still working to match Martin Johnson's achievements in an England jersey as he readies himself to surpass the World Cup-winning captain on the list of national caps holders this Saturday. Itoje is currently tied with Johnson on 84 caps in England's all-time list but will move into 13th place alongside Lawrence Dallaglio and Rory Underwood when he faces the All Blacks at Twickenham. Johnson led England to World Cup victory in 2003, whereas Itoje has so far reached a final and a semi-final, along with securing three Six Nations titles, including one grand slam. Itoje has faced the All Blacks eight times for England and the British & Irish Lions, winning twice, including the memorable 2019 World Cup semi-final performance. He has also drawn twice against New Zealand, including their last visit to Twickenham in 2022.
England has not defeated the All Blacks on home soil in 12 years, and Itoje has urged his team to cultivate the winning mentality exemplified in Johnson's era, following two close losses to New Zealand during the summer tour. Itoje stated: “If all goes well, I will earn a few more caps, but the key is not merely accumulating caps. What Martin Johnson achieved was winning. He won Six Nations, major games against southern hemisphere teams, and while I have also achieved that in my career, there is more to strive for. He and other legends set the benchmark in terms of winning. As a team, that is what we aim to build towards—winning. I don't want to merely reach a high number of caps to look impressive on my rugby CV. I want to be part of winning England teams.”
Itoje was among the 17 players awarded enhanced England contracts last week and was one of the five who led negotiations with the Rugby Football Union over the new deals. Upon the announcement, senior players voiced welfare concerns, and Itoje disclosed that they sought more assurance for guaranteed rest periods for international players. Last season, Itoje exceeded the mandated game limit, which has now been reduced to 30 as part of the new Professional Game Partnership, and could do so again this season with the Lions tour of Australia looming. “I don't believe it is wise to play that many games every year,” Itoje said. “It requires careful management. Ideally, we need to be strategic about England games, as no one wants to miss any England games. You also don't want to miss significant games for your club, so it requires some careful planning.
“It is quite challenging. The years that are particularly stressful are World Cup years and, without presuming anything, Lions years. These are the two years, especially if your club is competitive and advancing further. With the further reduction of squad sizes, that also complicates matters. “It is challenging, and these are the years when it is likely to exceed limits. I suppose the crucial aspect, which these enhanced contracts will address, is to consider things holistically so that in years that are not World Cup or Lions years, you can manage the players, which this new infrastructure will enable clubs and the union to do.”
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