Maro Itoje puts friendship on ice in heat of battle with Alun Wyn Jones

The England youngster’s duel with his Lions second-row partner could hold the key to victory in the Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham

Last summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand is history but the unlikely friendships it forged endure. The partnership of Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje in the second row for the final two Tests, neither of which the All Blacks managed to win, was a conspicuous success and the Wales captain was even memorably caught on video chanting “Oh Maro Itoje!” with the fans after the second Test win in Wellington.

While the pair’s paths have subsequently crossed in Europe after Ospreys and Saracens were drawn in the same pool, the Anglo‑Welsh Six Nations match on Saturday is the first international reunion since Auckland last July. The irresistible force from north London against Swansea’s immovable object? Rugby remains the ultimate team game but the set-piece duel between the twin Lions totems will undoubtedly influence the outcome.

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from The Guardian http://ift.tt/2BfOlr7