Tuesday 28 October 2014 17:21, UK
World Cup winner Lewis Moody has backed England skipper Chris Robshaw ahead of this autumn’s QBE Internationals at Twickenham.
Moody believes some critics of the Harlequins back are 'hung up' on the idea of having a more traditional number seven such as Steffon Armitage in the national side.
I don't think there's any question over Chris Robshaw's captaincy. He's earned that right over the last three years.
But Moody has sprung to Robshaw’s defence, insisting he has the right qualities to take England forward as they prepare for next year’s Six Nations, as well as a World Cup on home soil in 2015.
"There are always doubts and question marks for any captain, even if you're right at the races. Someone will always be saying there's a better player out there,” said Moody.
"That's certainly something Chris has had to deal with in recent months. I don't think there's any question over his captaincy, he's earned that right over the last three years.
"He's had some outstanding performances but people still look for out-and-out opensides. If you look at France and South Africa who generally play left and right, it becomes irrelevant.
"They have produced some wonderful players, Schalk Burger, Francois Louw, the likes of Thierry Dusautoir. You wouldn't term Louw an out-and-out seven, but he's a fantastic player.
England have reached the point where they have to deliver... but they know that.
"I think people have been hung up on this so-called natural seven, but what England actually have is a seven who works his backside off, makes a truckload of tackles, carries a lot of ball, leads very well and does what his team needs absolutely brilliantly.
"England can certainly be successful with what they have, no doubt."
Moody feels England must do well in the autumn internationals or win the Six Nations to boost confidence ahead of next autumn’s World Cup.
"It is extremely important England take something decisive into the World Cup," he said. "Injuries make the autumn far tougher, but looking at the Six Nations, they've finished second in the last two.
"They've reached the point where they have to deliver, but they know that."
Watch England’s four autumn internationals live on Sky Sports. World champions New Zealand are the first opponents on November 8 - coverage gets under way on Sky Sports 2 HD at 1.30pm.
