IT IS 27 years since England named a more inexperienced captain to lead them into a major Test but Stuart Lancaster insists he does not see the choice of Chris Robshaw as a gamble. Scotland, nevertheless, may just fancy their chances against an English side guided by a caretaker coach and commanded by a man who has appeared in a solitary Test and has never visited Murrayfield in his life.
Given England have also failed to win in Edinburgh since 2004, Robshaw’s captaincy baptism could hardly be more demanding. The 25-year-old has appeared just once previously for England, against Argentina in Salta in 2009, and was omitted from his country’s World Cup squad last year. Not since the winter of 1984, when the uncapped Nigel Melville led England out against Australia at Twickenham, has there been a comparable scenario.
Lancaster, though, believes the Harlequins flanker is perfect for the challenge. “If you believe someone has the leadership ability then I think he should be given the opportunity,” said England’s interim head coach. “That’s how I feel about Chris. It’s a similar situation to myself, to be honest. But I’m convinced in myself and I’m also convinced in Chris.”
While England will not confirm their Calcutta Cup line-up until Thursday, Lancaster has confirmed Robshaw will start at flanker rather than at number eight. He has also stressed the new captain has been appointed for only two Six Nations games, with the situation to be reviewed after England’s trip to Rome on Saturday week. Northampton’s Tom Wood, originally earmarked to lead the team, has a toe injury and will be unavailable for at least the next fortnight.
Given Wood is also a flanker there is no guarantee Robshaw’s tenure will be a lengthy one. As well as cementing his place in the team, the latter also has to banish the memory of a couple of dubious recent on-field tactical calls while captaining Harlequins.
“Hopefully I can draw on those experiences,” said Robshaw, admitting he had to “pinch himself” after Lancaster delivered the news on Sunday. “It’s a huge honour and a very proud day – hopefully one that will live in my memory for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who has helped me, especially ’Quins.
“At the moment, I’m quite relaxed about the whole process,” he added. “But I’m sure come Thursday, Friday, I’ll probably get a bit more nervous.
“It’s (Murrayfield) one of those places I’ve never actually been to. It is a daunting place and it is going to be very tough – but it’s one everybody’s looking forward to.”
Those who have worked closest with the flanker are optimistic. Conor O’Shea, Harlequins’ director of rugby, has been telling anyone who would listen that England were missing a trick in not picking a player he believed could serve England with the same excellence as Richard Hill.
“Is he another Richard Hill? I believe he is,” said O’Shea late last year. “Only when you look closely at him do you properly appreciate his contribution. Then it’s a case of ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe he’s doing that amount of work’.”
During the time Lancaster spent contemplating whom to pick as England’s next captain, he received a letter. It was written by one of Chris Robshaw’s old teachers at Millfield School in Somerset; the advice it contained was straightforward.
If England wanted a leader with the necessary qualities of integrity, application and selflessness to guide the rugby team back on to the straight and narrow, Robshaw was their man. Lancaster, and the English rugby public, can only hope their new figurehead lives up to his billing.
Scotland will unveil their starting XV today.
