Robshaw reclaims England captaincy
CHRIS Robshaw will captain England during next month’s QBE Internationals. The Harlequins openside will lead the team against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand after beating Tom Wood to a post he last held during this year’s RBS Six Nations.
“Every time you pull on that white shirt it’s a privilege. It’s a huge honour to be named captain and to lead your country,” Robshaw said. “But I’ve always said it’s not about who you are but what you do, and I’ve got to make sure that I perform as a player first.
“We have some good leaders across the squad and I know we will support each other as we head into a massive game against Australia.”
Robshaw, 27, has led England in 16 of Stuart Lancaster’s 19 games in charge, missing only the final Test against South Africa in June 2012 and both matches against Argentina during last summer’s tour.
Overlooked by the British and Irish Lions for Australia and rested for the trip to South America, the 17 timescapped openside was given the summer off by Lancaster.
Wood took over the cap- taincy in Argentina and acquitted himself well, leading to a two-way duel for the role between the back rows.
Pressure on Robshaw’s place in the team was also applied by Gloucester openside Matt Kvesic on the strength of his performances against the Pumas. But, while Kvesic’s early-season form dipped, partly affected by playing behind an underpowered pack at Kingsholm, Robshaw has impressed in a struggling Harlequins team.
“The first and foremost criteria for captaincy is to be on the team sheet and Chris is in there on his playing ability,” Lancaster said. “But on top of that he has a massive amount of respect within the squad and has led England well. Every team needs leaders; we are building a strong group and Chris is at the forefront of that leadership.”