Maro Itoje Challenges England to Adopt Aggressive Stance in Calcutta Cup Showdown
Maro Itoje has issued a rallying cry to the England rugby team, urging them to become the "aggressors" in their highly anticipated Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland. The match represents a critical test of England's Six Nations title aspirations, particularly given their recent struggles at Murrayfield.
Overcoming a Troublesome Away Record
England arrive in Edinburgh riding a wave of 12 consecutive victories, yet they must confront an uncomfortable statistic: Scotland have emerged victorious in three of the last four meetings between these historic rivals on Scottish soil. This troubling record adds significant pressure to Saturday's encounter.
Itoje, who experienced lifting the Calcutta Cup for the first time following England's narrow victory at Twickenham last year, acknowledges the heightened challenge presented by an away fixture at Murrayfield. "I want us to be aggressive, accurate, and play with confidence," the lock forward declared. "It is going to be a very physical game. Every time we play them, and every time we play them up here, it's always a physical contest."
A Philosophy of Front-Foot Rugby
The 31-year-old outlined his vision for England's performance, emphasizing proactive, assertive play. "I just want us to be confident; I want us to be the aggressors and take pride in how we play. Put ourselves on the front foot. Attack the game," Itoje explained. He pointed to the team's growing cohesion as a source of optimism, stating, "We've built confidence throughout this last week and previous games, and the more we are together it feels like we are pushing in the right direction. I want us to continue in that spirit."
Itoje also highlighted the unique demands of playing away from home, noting, "When you play away from home, you generally have to be sharper. There are things that happen you just have to roll with. There are things that happen that you just take on the chin and make sure you are bulletproof to the scenarios."
Emotional Return to the Starting Lineup
Itoje's return to the starting XV carries profound personal significance. He began England's opening Six Nations match against Wales on the bench after a delayed arrival to camp, having traveled to Nigeria for the burial of his mother, who passed away in December.
Reflecting on his return to the England setup, Itoje shared, "It's been great to be back with England; it's one of the things my mum loved. I don't come from a traditional rugby family, but my parents became rugby people through and through, both my mum and dad." He added, "Being back in this environment, representing England, she always loved the fact that I was a representative of this team. It's been good for me to be back in here, it's been good for me to throw myself at this amazing opportunity, this amazing challenge that's ahead of us. I'm grateful for the opportunity."
As England prepare to face Scotland, Itoje's dual message of aggressive intent and emotional resolve sets the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested Calcutta Cup battle at Murrayfield.
