MARO & CO SIMPLY RAD

Tennis star Emma leads the applause after Itoje's men hold their nerve to claim historical triumph

- BY ANDY DUNN

WITH an hour on the clock and a 13-point lead on the scoreboard, England won a penalty from a New Zealand scrum.

In the context of an epic win, no big deal. Only it was a big deal to Henry Pollock and it was a big deal to Maro Itoje.

The young buck jumped into the arms of Itoje, a captain who is establishing himself as one of the great sporting leaders.

Two faces of this brave, new era of English rugby. Cocky, irresistible Pollock, and composed, magnificent Maro.

It was the briefest, most unimportant of snapshots, but it symbolised a landmark England victory.

A victory for the starters, led by the imperious Itoje. A victory for the finishers, led by the player you cannot ignore.

Pollock made faces while the All Blacks performed the haka and he did a good impression of a decent footballer to set up the Tom Roebuck try that sealed the deal.

He was only on the field for 25 minutes. At the end of the match, he gave his shorts to someone in the crowd.