Balancing act

The Harlequins skipper has been included in interim head coach Stuart Lancaster's new-look squad - with nine uncapped players earning call-ups.

Although Robshaw isn't quite one of the new boys - his one and only cap came against Argentina in 2009, while he skippered England's midweek side during the tour to Australia and New Zealand the following year - the majority of his back-row colleagues are.

Phil Dowson, Calum Clark and Ben Morgan are all uncapped, leaving Tom Croft and Tom Wood as the 'veterans' of the back row.

Luke Narraway - in as cover for the injured Wood - is also a relative novice with just the seven caps, with Lewis Moody and Joe Worsley having retired and Nick Easter having been dropped.

And while the selections have been hailed as exciting, there have been criticisms over a lack of a real specialist in the positions.

Robshaw and Dowson can both play across the back row, while Croft, Wood, Clark and Wood have all played at both openside and blindside.

"I sure everyone would like to say that they are that standout player in their position but for us it is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Chris Robshaw Quotes of the week

Morgan can lay claim to being a specialist No.8 although he is still improving as a player, while Narraway was overlooked from the initial squad.

Combinations

However while they might lack the likes of a Richie McCaw, Schalk Burger or a Jamie Heaslip across the back row, Robshaw believes that England's current crop can go on to emulate the triumvirate of Richard Hill, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio.

"I think for the back row it is all about getting the balance right for what the team needs," Robshaw told Sky Sports.

"If the team needs those guys over the ball that can compete or if they want to play it similar to the South Africans with big ball carriers, it is about getting the right combinations for the style of play.

"I sure everyone would like to say that they are that standout player in their position but for us it is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts - it is that old theory.

"We have got some very talented players through the whole of the team - not least the back row - so whoever comes in will do their best."

For Robshaw, the opening clash against Scotland at Murrayfield is likely to be just reward for his patience.

Since making his debut in June 2009 in Salta against the Pumas, Robshaw has been on the periphery of the England team.

"You always sort of doubt yourself but it is about being patient."
Chris Robshaw Quotes of the week

However although the 25-year-old is now poised to start against Scotland - if not captain the side - he admits there were times when he thought he would remain a member of the one-cap club.

Doubt

"You always sort of doubt yourself but it is about being patient," he said. "I think I made my debut maybe two or even three years ago now.

"As a player - and a person - you want everything here and now and you want to be out there playing. You see your mates out there doing their bit and progressing on the international scene and you want to join them. It can be a frustrating time but you do have to be patient and keep working on your game and hope you get another opportunity one day."

That day could well be Saturday February 4 - and it would be even more special if Robshaw is chosen to lead the side out.

However Robshaw claims that a number of players are needed to guide England out on the field.

"I am sure the coaches will come up with who they want as captain but there is a core leadership in the England set up that is helping drive the squad on - and that is myself, Dylan Hartley, Tom Croft, Phil Dowson, Brad Barritt, Ben Foden, Tom Wood and a few others," he added.

"It is not about one guy, it is about everyone pulling together. From my time at Harlequins, you need key people that are going to boss the attack, whether that is the nine or ten, then someone bossing the defence and someone to do the lineouts, with the captain providing the overview and having the final say.

"It is so much more than a one person job now."