Robshaw showed his captain credentials both before and after England’s Six Nations win over Wales.
Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw has received the backing of England boss Stuart Lancaster as the man to lead his country’s charge in the World Cup just days after he lead a tunnel stand off against Wales before their Six Nations clash.
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Robshaw has been Lancaster’s choice as captain in his three years as the England coach though he has always been told he must earn the right to retain his role on a tournament-by-tournament basis.
However, Lancaster has taken the unusual step of announcing Robshaw will continue to be the national side’s skipper in England’s next big tournament later this year.
“Players get injured and things happen that are out of your control. But it would take a big change of heart now to move from the direction we’re going with Chris,” said Lancaster, reports Daily Mail.
“I’ve got other good players in the back row who are all desperate for an opportunity, but Chris has been excellent and we need to make sure we continue to back him. We certainly will in this Six Nations and, fingers crossed, he’ll be fit and available for June.”
Robshaw has been captain in 32 of the 33 Tests he has been selected for but these latest comments from Lancaster will come as a shock, particularly given the criticisms England faced after damaging defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.
“He’s been excellent. Confidence in his ability as a player is the fundamental thing behind leadership. You’ve got to be secure of your place in the team. He’s earned that and he earns it on a weekly basis,” said Lancaster.
“He’s earned the respect of all the players and as a consequence he’s leading them effectively. But he’s also got the strength of solidarity from the leaders around him as well. They back him up to the hilt.”
But the England skipper showed his battling credentials against Wales on Friday night even before kick-off by refusing to lead his team onto the pitch until receiving assurances Wales would not keep them waiting – a move which enraged the hosts.
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