England's demolition crew roar like Lions

ENGLAND head coach Steve Borthwick saw Maro Itoje lead from the front in this 68-14 demolition of Wales - then tipped the lock to lead the Lions in Australia this summer.

- ADAM HATHAWAY in Cardiff

Borthwick's side dished out a 10-try hammering to register their biggest win in Cardiff as they blew Wales away and, after France beat Scotland 35-16 in Paris last night, take second place in the Six Nations table.

New boy Henry Pollock scored twice on his debut off the bench, Chandler Cunningham-South scored a couple and fly-half Fin Smith passed his Lions audition.

In the most clinical performance of the Borthwick era, Itoje, a double Lion already, was a standout performer and the head coach reckons he showed his readiness to captain the tourists down under.

With Lions coach Andy Farrell in the crowd, Borthwick said: "Maro has been outstanding, he leads by example and he has stepped up his game. I would have full confidence in Maro's ability to lead the Lions.

"Hopefully, a lot of these players will get picked for the Lions. Part of the role of the coaching staff was to get as many players in the Lions as possible. I hope loads of them will be going. It will be brilliant for them and a phenomenal experience."