I'VE HAD TO CHILL FOR 100 CAP THRILL

Maro's learnt to put lid on it

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

FLYING START Itoje (right) celebrating 2016 triumph with George Kruis in his first season with England

MARO ITOJE admits he would not be celebrating 100 England caps if he had not learned to keep a lid on his emotions.

Itoje was compared to a budget banger when he was handed his debut by Eddie Jones a decade ago he has been a Rolls-Royce ever since.

Captain Itoje (right with his commemorative boots) will reach his century when he leads his side out against Ireland today, just 10 years and one week after making his bow off the bench against Italy.

During that 2016 Six Nations Jones held Itoje back from the opening game at Murrayfield saying he wanted to turn the youngster from a Vauxhall Viva into a BMW.