George Kruis backs Maro Itoje to fill in at flanker

Maro Itoje faces the media during the Saracens media session held on April 14, 2015
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Saracens and England lock George Kruis insists that Maro Itoje is capable of switching positions to fill in for James Haskell during the Autumn Internationals.

George Kruis has backed Saracens and England second row partner Maro Itoje to fill in for the injured James Haskell at flanker during the Autumn Internationals.

Itoje featured in the position during the third Test against Australia in June, and is an option to pack down alongside Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola when South Africa visit Twickenham next month.

The uncapped duo of Mike Williams and Sam Jones are also being considered by Eddie Jones, although the latter is a doubt for the matches having picked up an ankle injury in training.

"Maro has got the work rate and he's very physical. There's not much he doesn't have to be honest. If he wanted to play fly-half he probably could," Kruis told reporters.

"He's a very talented player and if it benefits the team to have him there, then that's the right position for him. At Saracens he's played six a few times. Eddie obviously has a plan of what he wants and if it's right for the team, that will be the case."

England will also take on Fiji, Argentina and Australia at Twickenham in November and December.

Sam Jones of Wasps is tackled by Devin Toner of Leinster during the European Rugby Champions Cup match between Leinster Rugby and Wasps at the RDS Arena on November 15, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland.
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