Six Nations 2019: Maro Itoje insists England must beat Ireland if they are to become the world’s No 1 side

Two rivals meet in this weekend’s Six Nations opener with sights on becoming the world No 1

Maro Itoje insists that only by defeating Ireland in Dublin can England claim what he sees as their rightful place as the dominant force in Europe.

Eddie Jones' men open their Guinness Six Nations on Saturday with a clash against the side that replaced them as champions last year.

Ireland occupy second place in the global rankings and toppled leaders New Zealand just two months ago, but Itoje insists England are ready to challenge their status.

"Over the last year or so, Ireland have been the number one team in the northern hemisphere," the Land Rover ambassador said.

"Obviously we want to be the dominant team. That's always been the case. I think England should be the number one team, but we're not at the moment.

"The only way to rectify that is to beat Ireland. To be the best, you must beat the best.

"We're lucky we have a lot of very competitive animals in the team. This game is one that we've been looking forward to for a while.

"We'll find out how far away from them we are on Saturday. I have complete faith in our team, players, coaches and staff.

"We can definitely beat them, I have no doubt in my mind about that. It's a great opportunity for us, it truly is.

"It's a great way to start and will be a great way to kick off what will hopefully be a very successful year for us.

"But every game counts in the Six Nations because if we beat Ireland, it doesn't mean anything if we then lose to France the following week."

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PA