I agree that Itoje is a talent, but the lack of a power TH lock, the greater issue.

This also means that we lose some of Itoje's skills etc, in adapting his game.

It also means that we have to pack the BR with bigger lumps, so less breakdown threat, or suffer in contact because of the lack of threat.

It is quite noticeable that the top prem teams all have strong locks, (mainly SA or Arg!!!) to allow the BR to be more mobile, and have a specialist opens idea.

Surely, the team needs balance rather than trying to shoehorn in the best players and see what happens.

Just look at the England Football golden generation where there was a constant battle to get the best players in, at the expense of team balance.