Robshaw captain for Barbarians test
Jones hands back armband to former skipper following string of impressive performances
>> LONDON: Chris Robshaw returns to captain England against the Barbarians tomorrow, the first time he’s worn the skipper’s armband since the disastrous 2015 Rugby World Cup when the team failed to make it out of their pool.
The Harlequins flanker has been named co-captain along with Leicester-bound fly-half George Ford, as boss Eddie Jones named eight uncapped players in the starting line-up for the non-cap international at Twickenham.
Robshaw was stood down from the captaincy after England’s 2015 campaign where they became the worst-performing hosts in tournament history.
The move was one of Jones’s first as the new head coach, but the 30-year-old forward has since steadily increased his standing in the ranks.
Jones back then took Robshaw out for coffee to explain that decision and tell the hard-grafting back-rower to fight to secure his place in the England set-up.
England then set about building a record 18-Test winning streak, with Robshaw proving pivotal to a newlook back-row and having shifted to blindside flanker.
Jones was left to brand Robshaw his “glue player” in the all-conquering England line-up, so revitalised had the Harlequins man become.
And now Jones’ decision to hand Robshaw the armband — even jointly — for the Barbarians clash underscores once again his importance to England both on and off the field.
England must face the famed invitational side without a raft of senior players, a host of whom are on duty with the British and Irish Lions.
Furthermore, Northampton were embroiled in a Champions Cup play-off yesterday, while Exeter Chiefs and Wasps will contest today’s Premiership final.
Bath-bound flanker Sam Underhill will make his England bow among a youthful line-up, with Saracens’ Nick Isiekwe and Charlie Ewels paired at lock.
Leicester prop Ellis Genge will pack down with Worcester’s Jack Singleton and Harlequins’ Will Collier.
Saracens’ Alex Lozowski will start at inside centre as Jones sticks with his dual playmaker set-up, in Lions star Owen Farrell’s absence.
Sale’s teenage flanker Ben Curry has been named on a replacements’ bench also including Richard Wigglesworth, who could make his first appearance for England since the 2015 World Cup.