Taulupe Faletau says Maro Itoje has 'put marker down' for Lions
Wednesday 5 July 2017 08:44, UK
Taulupe Faletau believes Maro Itoje has "put a marker down in world rugby" with his performances on the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand.
England lock Itoje was the outstanding performer in their Test series-levelling victory over the All Blacks, helping to set up an Eden Park decider on Saturday which is live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30am.
Live British and Irish Lions Tour
The 22-year-old has already won two Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, a European Champions Cup and the Aviva Premiership along with the World Under-20 Championship.
And the former European player of the year's impact is not lost on Lions number eight Faletau, whose try in Wellington last Saturday sent the Lions on their way to a first victory over New Zealand since 1993.
Faletau said: "You have just got to appreciate it. He has put a marker down in world rugby.
Trending
- Bournemouth win 3-0 at Man Utd for second season running LIVE!
- Tottenham vs Liverpool LIVE! & highlights
- Leicester 0-3 Wolves highlights
- Chelsea squander chance to go top with frustrating Everton draw LIVE!
- World Darts Championship LIVE! Searle wins as Cullen storms out of presser
- Fulham 0-0 Southampton highlights
- Bournemouth stun Man Utd in Christmas nightmare for Amorim
- Man Utd latest: Neville says Rashford could go in January
- World Darts Championship schedule: Anderson headlines Sunday's action
- Everton slow down Chelsea momentum with draw at Goodison
"He was phenomenal, I thought. I am just glad he is on our side."
The Lions squad will arrive in Auckand on Wednesday after resting in the Southern Alps' tourist haven of Queenstown.
Warren Gatland's side are targeting a first Test series triumph against New Zealand since 1971 and only the second in their history.
The Lions, who had a one-man advantage for 55 minutes of the second Test following Sonny Bill Williams' red card, were guilty of conceding a number of penalties in the second half while prop Mako Vunipola was sin-binned.
And Wales star Faletau has warned his side over their discipline.
He said: "On the pitch at the time it definitely was frustrating that we were giving penalties away.
"It was like 'have a penalty, you missed, have another one, keep trying until you get it'.
"But no, we are pleased we came out on the right side of the result. It's something to build on for next weekend.
"I guess you've got to keep a cool head. If everybody kind of loses it, it just escalates and people keep giving those penalties away.
"I am just glad we managed to regather as a team and get the result we needed."
And Faletau is now relishing Saturday's series finale, which will see thousands of Lions fans descend on Auckland.
"The fact that we get to run out to warm up, I feel it is like a home game - it's incredible," he added.
"You just can't replace that. The effort they put in to make the trip down here, it's incredible.
"And to see the load of red in the stands and then just chanting 'Maro Itoje' is awesome. It is 100 per cent a boost to the guys on the pitch."
