Chris is handed lifeline
CHRIS ROBSHAW has been thrown a World Cup lifeline after winning a recall to the England squad.
Former captain Robshaw has not been capped since last June and missed the autumn series following knee surgery.
But the flanker, 32, has proved his fitness for club side Harlequins and is back to face Italy in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.
England scrum coach Neil Hatley said: “Chris offers valuable experience and physically he’s in as good a shape as we’ve seen him.
“He’s come back in good shape and his big challenge now is to add value.
“He’s combative and very dependable. He’s got an excellent work rate and he doesn’t make many mistakes. That’s quite a good commodity.”
England have been resurgent in Robshaw’s 15-month absence and have found a high-quality alternative in Mark Wilson.
Coach Eddie Jones is also a big fan of Brad Shields in the position.
Hatley added: “Everyone has a chance to play. It depends on how Chris goes over the next two days of training. We’ve talked continuously about developing strength in depth and we see Chris as an important part of that.”
Robshaw’s World Cup hopes might have been rekindled but the 66-times capped back-rower may have to bide his time before being thrown back into Jones’ side.
Second-row Maro Itoje is set to feature against the Azzurri, though, after recovering from his knee injury.
Fit-again centre Jonathan Joseph (ankle) also makes a return to the 31-man training squad but winger Chris Ashton (calf) is still out.