Steve Borthwick has responded to reports that he could tour South Africa with the British and Irish Lions next summer.
The 40-year-old had been tipped to reprise his role in 2021 as an assistant coach to Warren Gatland after playing a key role in the Lions’ drawn series with New Zealand in 2017.
"On form, I have to go with Sutherland. He's been absolutely brilliant. He's not just a good technical rugby player, he can play, he can run, he makes an impact. His story is an incredible one. I'd love to see him kick on."
"He's not had a brilliant season but he's such a good player and in these circumstances you would get the best out of him. He'd rise to the challenge. He's done it before."
""Itoje is definitely one of them and I'd bracket him as a possible captain. He's a hell of a competitor. When you watch him, he's into everything. He reads things so well, he's niggling, he leads by example. He's a really intelligent lad and a really intelligent rugby player."