Chris Robshaw is ready for the greatest challenge of his professional life; leading England Rugby during a home Rugby World Cup. Prior to the 2011 tournament the flanker was cut from Martin Johnson's squad and deemed 'surplus to requirements' however four years on he is the focal point for a England Rugby side that is desperate to make a statement on home soil.
When the Harlequin first ran out as England Captain he had just one solitary cap to his name and made history by being one of the least experienced individuals to Captain the side, ever. Now four years on only Will Carling and Martin Johnson himself have Captained England more times, with the latter being a touch ironic! During the course of his Captaincy the twenty nine year old has hardly put a foot wrong, bar a couple of shaky tests back in 2012 and as a nation we have seen him grow and firmly establish himself in the role. England's Captain isn't a shouter or perhaps as gnarly as others are on the field instead he now exerts a calm air of authority and is unquestionably the right man to lead this group of 31 individuals into the tournament.
On squad announcement day Chris shared how the previous week had challenged the group after their less than convincing performance in Paris;
On squad announcement day Chris shared how the previous week had challenged the group after their less than convincing performance in Paris;
“We’ve been tested a little bit this last week, internally, and from the outside world’s reaction. I think that has given us an indication of what is to come, what’s possible, and if things don’t go so well, what can happen. This week has been a bit of an eye-opener but I think that the guys have dealt with it well.”
Chris is well aware of the enormity of Saturday's forthcoming fixture against Ireland and it's importance for a number of reasons. First, for the side to restore their own pride and deliver a performance that they feel reflects their level and tireless weeks of training. Second, to reinforce their winning mentality and home advantage for falling at Twickenham on the eve of the tournament would be less than desirable. The true importance of focusing on winning is something that Chris has taken from speaking to a number current leaders and former captains across many sports;
"It is learning how to win. I think everyone asks how do you want to play and how do you want to perform? But it is about winning at the end of the day. You look back to when the 03 team won the World Cup and I have spoken to a number of those guys in their time and they said that we had times where we flew past people and times where we just about clawed our way over a game and could have lost games easily. However no-one really remembers those games, unless you are a rugby fanatic, it is about finding ways to win and doing what needs to be done in every situation."
"It is learning how to win. I think everyone asks how do you want to play and how do you want to perform? But it is about winning at the end of the day. You look back to when the 03 team won the World Cup and I have spoken to a number of those guys in their time and they said that we had times where we flew past people and times where we just about clawed our way over a game and could have lost games easily. However no-one really remembers those games, unless you are a rugby fanatic, it is about finding ways to win and doing what needs to be done in every situation."
From hereon the pressure on ever single member of England's 31 man squad will be immense and it will be up to Chris to continue to lead by example in a situation that he will be experiencing himself for the first time. The intensity of this World Cup will be greater than any previous tournament, even 2003, so perhaps it is best that Robshaw doesn't have a benchmark to worry himself with. Now is the time for England's quietly spoken Captain to announce himself as a truly great leader, of course he will have a 'leadership group' around him however it will be his relationship with the referees, his example set and his words before, during and after matches that will matter the most.
