In England, Maro Itoje is set to play a crucial role in the Six Nations opener against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. However, he will start the match on the bench due to his recent return from attending his mother's funeral in Nigeria, which occurred after her death in December. The England coach, Steve Borthwick, believes that it was the right decision to name Itoje as a substitute given the circumstances surrounding his family. This marks a significant moment as it is the first time Itoje has not been included in the starting lineup for a Championship game since 2020. Captaincy for the match has been handed over to Jamie George, allowing Itoje to focus on integrating back into the team amid his personal tragedy. England's preparations for this match have included routine training and building team chemistry, which Borthwick noted is vital for performance. The match against Wales is particularly significant as the opposing team has struggled in recent Six Nations formats, having received back-to-back wooden spoons and not winning since March 2023. Borthwick expresses confidence in the impact Itoje will have once he enters the game, stating he expects the crowd to warmly welcome him with a big cheer. The strategic decisions made for this match also suggest that England is eager to reclaim their title after not winning since 2020, and the support from the home crowd, as emphasized by Borthwick, is expected to boost morale during the game.