Fans Called for Ban After Controversial Maro Itoje Lions Incident
Rugby NewsSunday, 20 July 2025 at 08:27
Lions captain Maro Itoje will be under pressure to stay disciplined this summer, with memories of his 2021 controversy in South Africa still fresh in the minds of many rugby fans.
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The Saracens star came under fire during the last British & Irish Lions tour after a heated moment with Springboks centre Damian de Allende.
The now 30-year-old was blasted by South African media and fans alike after footage showed him kneeling on De Allende’s chest, shoulder, and neck area during the brutal second Test in Cape Town — a match the Boks won 27-9 to level the series.
The incident sparked a major backlash online.
One viewer wrote on X:
"[Maro Itoje] should be banned after his knee on De Allende's neck! That's dangerous."
A second added: "Itoje also deserved red for this. This is intentional."
“Shocked he wasn’t thrown out of the game,” a third fumed, breaking down the incident.
Another Springboks supporter chimed in: “Unacceptable! Maro had a terrible game overall, actually. Complaining and moaning.”
A second added: "Itoje also deserved red for this. This is intentional."
“Shocked he wasn’t thrown out of the game,” a third fumed, breaking down the incident.
Another Springboks supporter chimed in: “Unacceptable! Maro had a terrible game overall, actually. Complaining and moaning.”
Despite the uproar, Itoje avoided suspension — but the moment remains a stain on an otherwise stellar international résumé.
Fast forward to 2025, and it looks like the towering lock has put that chapter behind him. His performances in the warm-up matches have been nothing short of commanding, justifying Andy Farrell’s decision to hand him the captaincy.
Itoje is all but guaranteed to start all three matches against the Wallabies. But make no mistake — the spotlight is firmly on him, and any lapse in discipline could reignite old flames.
EDITORS PICKS:
Three Lions stars who flopped agains the Wallabies
Here’s a breakdown of the three underperforming Lions players, their potential replacements, and why each should be dropped for the next Test based on current form and match impact.
#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback
Performance Summary:
Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
Final Verdict:
Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.
#2. Tommy Freeman – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 4–5/10
- Errors: Kicks out on the full (twice), 4 turnovers, poor offloading
- Positives: Early physical carry, effort in defense
Critique:
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Final Verdict:
Freeman should be dropped because his decision-making under pressure and basic handling let the team down. Van der Merwe is a more imposing and reliable threat in both attack and defense.
#3. James Lowe – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 3–5/10 (lowest average rating of the three)
- Errors: Kicked dead, dropped ball near try-line, overcooked kicks, turnover near tryline
- Positives: One promising fend and inside ball (disallowed try)
Critique:
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Replacement: Mack Hansen
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Final Verdict:
Lowe must be dropped — his decision-making, handling, and lack of pace are liabilities. Mack Hansen brings more polish and unpredictability that could unlock Australia’s defense.
Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches
Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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