EX-SKIPPER ROBSHAW GETS TO HART OF DYLAN’S ISSUES
CHRIS ROBSHAW feels Dylan Hartley is a victim of the aggressive and powerful nature of modern rugby.
Northampton hooker Hartley, 30, will be back in time for the Six Nations after being banned for six weeks for striking Sean O’Brien during a Champions Cup game last week.
And former England captain Robshaw is backing the man who succeeded him in the role to be fired-up and ready as England look to secure back-to-back Grand Slams.
Despite his stiff-arm hit on Leinster’s O’Brien – taking his career total suspensions to 60 weeks – Hartley’s name will be the first on Eddie Jones’ teamsheet when the opening game with France comes ODELL BECKHAM JR has asked Usain Bolt to train with him once the NFL season is over – but the New York Giants star is still focused on the Detroit Lions today. Beckham Jr’s side sit second in the NFC East and are favourites to grab a wildcard play-off spot. Fortunes can change fast, though, and that is something the wide receiver, who was clocked running at an incredible 21.85mph in his last game, knows all too well. And despite wanting to boost that stunning figure by training with Olympic 100 and 200m legend Bolt, GARY FITZGERALD around. And flanker Robshaw, 30, said: “Since I’ve worked with Dylan he’s been fantastic, especially over the last year. “He’s been captaining the side really well. “It’s a hugely physical game now where you have guys who are 20-odd stone going against others who are 14 stone. “It is becoming faster, more physical and more powerful. Forwards are the same weight as before but they are also a lot leaner and a lot fitter than they were. “When you look at backs, they’re big athletes now. So whatever you need to do to remain in that physical mind frame, you have to do.” Beckham Jr is desperate to score a quick win today. He said: “This is the most important game this year. We’ve just got to find a way to be better than last week. “Detroit are doing pretty nicely and have a lot of game-wreckers. “I expect this will be a very intense game between two hungry teams. “We need to score points to win games but it’ll all come together.” Elsewhere today, New England travel to Denver, while Pittsburgh face Cincinnati and Kansas City host Tennessee. ALEX MILLER