• Flanker will lead England throughout Six Nations
• Robshaw takes advice from Will Carling
Chris Robshaw says he is keen to lead England for the forseeable future after being confirmed as captain for his side's three remaining Six Nations Championship games. The Harlequins flanker, yet to lose a game in his short tenure to date, has also revealed he is being mentored by England's longest-serving captain, Will Carling, who presided over 44 wins in 59 Tests during his time at the helm.
While Northampton's Tom Wood's injured foot is still in a protective boot, Robshaw's re-appointment for the fixtures against Wales, France and Ireland reflects his contribution to England's gritty wins in Edinburgh and Rome. The team's statisticians suggest he has been the side's top tackler and busiest ball-carrier in both games and he has swiftly earned the respect of coaches and team-mates alike. "I trust him and he's playing well so he deserves to continue," confirmed England's interim head coach, Stuart Lancaster. "He's managed the transition from club captain to international captain very well."
Robshaw openly admits he would "love" to have the role on a permanent basis and says he has spoken to Carling before each of England's first two games. "Will Carling has been giving me tips because he was in a similar boat to me. Before the Scotland game he told me I should appreciate how much they dislike you and to be ready for the antics before games. Last week he spoke to me about backing it up against Italy. I'm sure I'll speak to him before the Wales game and he'll probably say a similar thing. I'd like to do [the job] as long as I can but, first and foremost, it's about going out and performing before you can be a captain."
How long he and Lancaster will remain in their respective roles, of course, is not something either man can control. The deadline for applications for the permanent coaching job closed on Wednesday and it is understood the Rugby Football Union is looking to interview all the short-listed contenders in March with a view to announcing its long-term choice in early April, if practically possible. Nick Mallett remains the hot favourite but should he drop out of the running the field is wide-open. The RFU, desperate not to botch such a key appointment, is adamant the process will not be rushed, while Lancaster, who has already said he has applied, will not be commenting further on the subject. "I'm aware there is significant interest but the integrity of the process needs to be remain confidential, not just for the sake of me and the RFU but the other candidates."
Victory over Wales would clearly enhance his claims substantially. Getting his selection right will be paramount, with Robshaw admitting England need to improve on their effort in Rome. "The first two games were all about winning but against Italy we were too one-dimensional. Myself and the other game leaders have to take responsibility for not recognising that sooner. We need to have variety in our game and keep people guessing."
Lancaster has challenged 16 of his players, including Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Ben Morgan, to go back to their clubs this weekend and prove their readiness to face the Welsh. "I think players need to be battle-hardened to play international football. The players going back to their clubs are all in contention for next week. Wrapping players in cotton-wool is not conducive to playing at the highest level.
"Clearly this selection will be an important one to get right. There are options coming back into the equation but there are no automatic selections. That's why the boys are still dragging themselves off the training field today. Selection isn't only about what you saw in the previous game. Our focus is on making sure we can deliver set-piece ball and impose our forward game on Wales because that's where the game will be won and lost. We're confident in our ability to do that."