Maro Itoje, England's captain, reflects on his journey to 100 caps, crediting his ability to manage 'emotional turmoil' as a pivotal factor. His story begins with a challenging start, as he struggled to regulate his emotions before Test matches, fearing he might collapse under the pressure. This led to a pivotal moment in 2016, when he was a rising star with a big reputation, but his role on the bench against Italy raised questions about his readiness. However, a week later, he was promoted to the starting XV, man of the match against Wales, and by the end of the Six Nations, he had achieved a Grand Slam. This transformation was fueled by his coach, Eddie Jones, who compared Itoje to a Vauxhall Viva, needing significant upgrades to become a top-tier player. Fast forward a decade, and Itoje is now a British and Irish Lions skipper, celebrating his 100th cap. This milestone is bittersweet, as it coincides with the recent passing of his mother, Florence, a devoted supporter who attended all his games. Despite her physical absence, Itoje remains focused on the positive, envisioning her spiritual presence cheering him on from heaven. The emotional journey to 100 caps highlights the importance of managing emotions in high-pressure situations, a lesson that has shaped Itoje's remarkable career.
