Itoje taking positives from defeat
England lock Maro Itoje will take positives from the World Cup final loss to South Africa in Japan.
The Saracens man featured as England fell 32-12 to the Springboks in Yokohama, where he admits his team never got going.
“It was a tough game, but we never really got firing,” he added. “Congratulations to the Springboks they played a better game than us today. We have to try take the positives out of it and keep moving.”
Itoje won 11 turnovers throughout the tournament, more than any other player, and played an integral role in an England side that had an average age of 27 years and 60 days.
Eddie Jones’ team was the youngest to start a Rugby World Cup final in the professional era, beating Australia's team in 2003 by 11 days per player, and despite desperate disappointment, Itoje is keeping his head up.
“I’m proud of how we have progressed so far, I think from where we were to where we are now we have definitely moved in the right direction. The World Cup as a whole there is positive things to take.”
He added: “Japan has been hospitable, the people and culture is fantastic it has been an honour to be here.
“There is no one better in world sport than the English fans; they have travelled in numbers out here to support us right from the start to now, and we know the support back home has been massive so a big thanks; we appreciate all the love.”
