For a long time, Maro Itoje has been the undisputed golden boy of English rugby.

Since making his England debut in 2016, the 23-year-old has collected back-to-back NatWest Six Nations titles, back-to-back European Cups, a Premiership crown and a European Player of the Year award, as well as twice being nominated as World Player of the Year, too.

Oh, and he was the face, or certainly the song, of the drawn British and Irish Lions series against New Zealand. At one point, the second row was surfing on the back of a 31-game unbeaten run as a player for Saracens and England.

This year, that golden glow around Itoje has diminished. Before Sam Underhill’s untimely toe injury, there was a suggestion that Itoje could be dropped for the first time in his career for the Six Nations match against France on Saturday.

His form has not been atrocious, but nor has it been outstanding. From being front and centre stage, Itoje has been operating at the periphery of England’s opening three games.

Eddie Jones, however, is unconcerned. Indeed, the England head coach seems openly pleased that Itoje appears to be suffering a sophomore slump – ignoring the fact that this is his third season.