RFU appoints Robshaw as captain

30/01/2012

English rugby's brave new world saw another fresh step today (January 30th) when it was revealed Chris Robshaw has been named as captain for the first two matches in the Six Nations competition.

Robshaw, who found out about his appointment last night, remarked: "It's a huge honour and a very proud day - hopefully one that will live in my memory for a long time to come."

Fans booking hospitality packages for games in the tournament at Twickenham when Ireland and Wales visit will be hoping England go into those games after enjoying a couple of opening victories under the new skipper, in the matches away to Scotland and Italy. 

Should the new era bring success, it might make some critics eat their words, such as former New Zealand coach Graham Henry.

Writing for therugbysite.com, he said England are the "world champions at wasting talent," with an obsession with securing possession instead of looking to move the ball quickly.

He argued that such a tactic - which contrasts with the New Zealanders' emphasis on swift movement - causes England to score few tries against the best teams.

By Keith Prowse