Itoje ready for the big step up

It may be one small step onto the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard turf, but a European Champions Cup semifinal triumph could prove to be a giant leap for Saracens starlet Maro Itoje.

The 20-year-old has been thrust into the spotlight after a string of bruising displays this season, and is set to play a part in his side's clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne this weekend.

He has already led Mark McCall's men to LV=Cup glory and earned a call-up to England Saxons.

He has been rewarded for his efforts with a long-term contract at his home club, and is keen to taste life at Europe's summit.

"It's going to be a step-up," Itoje said.

"Clermont are a very good team and we've had mixed results against them in the past.

"This weekend is going to be a new challenge even though we've played them before. It'll be a new challenge, and a challenge I'm looking forward to.

"French teams are renowned for their physicality and their size. We'll have to do well to deal with whatever they throw at us.

"I think I've progressed nicely through the season. If selected I think I'm ready. I'm fairly young in age.

"The process which I've been through and the experience I've picked up over time has put me in good stead for these types of games."

Itoje would be facing the likes of Julien Bonnaire, Jamie Cudmore and Fritz Lee if he is part of the Sarries pack.

And he knows his side will have to deliver a stellar performance if they are to reach a second European Champions Cup final in as many seasons.

"They're a fantastic team and they have fantastic individuals from one to 23," he said.

"No matter what team they put out, it'll be top quality.

"Clermont have been top of Europe for a very long time.

"Over the past five years they've been there or thereabouts. They're a fantastic team and a team if we want to get the better of, we'll have to be on it."

Source: @ChampionsCup