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Maro Itoje hailed Saracens teammate Jamie George after he became England's seventh centurion last Sunday in the win over Italy.
Maro Itoje hailed Saracens teammate Jamie George after he became England's seventh centurion last Sunday in the win over Italy.
Itoje revealed his delight for the 34-year-old hooker having shared an almost inseparable last nine years for both club and country.
The second row, who is only nine caps away from joining England's illustrious 100-cap club, took over from George as England captain this year and has led the Red Rose to three successive wins to enter Super Saturday as title outsiders.
At the post-match press conference, Itoje said: "Jamie is a fantastic player. He brings leadership, calmness but also toughness. As a hooker, he is one of the most intelligent players that I've played with. My career has been richer as a result of playing with and working alongside Jamie. He's a glue player that pulls the group together, always wanting to do his best for the team."
George's standout moments on his journey to becoming a Test centurion
1. First England cap vs France - August 2015
George's first cap came in remarkable circumstances given it was off the back of receiving a Dylan Hartley headbutt. He replaced the former Northampton hooker in England's extended 50-man training squad for the 2015 World Cup due to an altercation in the Premiership. Debutant George came on for Tom Youngs away in France in England's second World Cup warm up fixture but it wouldn't prove a joyful occasion as Stuart Lancaster's side were beaten 25-20.
2. Maiden try vs Australia as England secured whitewash Down Under - June 2016
George came off the bench to make telling involvements during England's last Six Nations Grand Slam triumph earlier that year but it was in Oz where he blossomed into a Red Rose star. The dynamic hooker broke through midfield before audaciously but skillfully grubbering the ball for his Saracens teammate Owen Farrell to collect and seal an inaugural series win during the second test. He then dotted down the winning try in the third match which sealed the whitewash and the platform for a further six England scores.
3. Key performance in England's brightest day in memory - October 2019
No England fan wants to talk about the final as it was clear they'd already played theirs before they met with South Africa in Yokohama, but the semi-final demolition over the All Blacks remains one of the most impressive World Cup performances. George played a key role showcasing his good hands and important link play to cap a fine tournament.
4. First England hooker to score a hat-trick - November 2020
Not many forwards can say they've scored a hat-trick for England but player of the match George became the first hooker to register a trio of scores. His touchdowns set the tone for a dominant 40-0 victory over Georgia as England went on to lift the Autumn Nations Cup offering much needed positivity for rugby fans across the country during the pandemic.
5. Captain's England just days after losing his mother - February 2024
George found out his mother, Jane, was diagnosed with cancer on the same day he was appointed England captain. Jane, who George says was the 'biggest ever England fan', passed away from an illness on February 14, just two days before George took part in an open training session in front of 10,000 fans at Twickenham. The England skipper then led his side out at Murrayfield winning the utmost respect of not just England players and fans, but also Scotland's for his incredible commitment to his country during such a torrid time off the pitch.