Borthwick keen to rest Itoje but injuries may force England rethink

England head coach Steve Borthwick intends to rest captain Maro Itoje for next month's summer Tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina, though injuries in the second row could force a rethink. Itoje has had an demanding year, leading the British & Irish Lions to a series victory over Australia, playing in the autumn and Six Nations campaigns, and grieving the death of his mother. Van Rensburg is set for an England debut despite Test ineligibility, suggesting Borthwick is already planning alternative selections.