Warburton backs Itoje to captain Lions

England and Saracens forward Maro Itoje has been backed to lead the British and Irish Lions against South Africa this summer by the man who captained the side on the last two tours.

Warburton says Itoje is a "shoo-in" to be in the starting XV for the three-Test series against the world champions, which tips the balance in the Englishman's favour. "I know people will think [Itoje] is under-cooked, and hasn't played much, and gave away a load of penalties [in the Six Nations], but he still had a big influence on those games."I have gone back and forth [with my choice]. It was Maro, then Alun Wyn, and now we are getting closer [to the tour] I am going back to my gut and going back to Maro.

The Lions' first match is against Japan on 26 June, although a stand-off with the Premiership clubs over player release has threatened to derail the tour before it starts.

Not captain of his club. Not captain of his country. But apparently should be lions... warburton is turning into alan shearer with his comments and statements

Best known for his poor sportsmanship and sore loser reaction at the World Cup.

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