Robshaw out to raise standards

The Harlequins skipper was confirmed as his nation's new leader on Monday and will captain the side for RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

It is understood that Tom Wood was Lancaster's first-choice for the role but, with the Northampton flanker currently on the sidelines with a toe injury, Robshaw was only too happy to accept the position.

The 25-year-old believes real progress has already been made during Lancaster's short time in charge and is hopeful that the feel-good factor around the camp will translate to performances and results on the pitch - starting this weekend.

"It will be a huge honour, I'm sure in the days leading up to it (the match at Murrayfield) I'll be a bit nervous but I think that's only natural," Robshaw told Sky Sports News.

"We've got a great bunch of guys and a great leadership group as well which has been right behind me in helping to lead this team. So we are really looking forward to going up there and really making the most of it.

"There's a great feeling about (the squad), everyone's really excited about the campaign and the first game in Scotland. But it's about taking one step at a time and that is game by game.

"Stuart Lancaster and the other coaches have put together a game-plan and framework of how they want us to play and it's been about us seven, eight guys going out there, helping to drive standards, helping to drive training in order to get the most out of it and each other."
Chris Robshaw Quotes of the week

"In all honesty we've been focusing on ourselves up in Leeds. We've got a lot of new guys here and we've got a new game-plan in place, so it's been about getting to know each other.

Focus on Scotland game

"The first couple of days are always going to be a bit frantic but recently it's really started to take shape and everyone's been putting their hand up, but we've got to take it game by game and focus on that first 20 minutes against Scotland."

Explaining the philosophy of the 'leadership group' that Lancaster has introduced, Robshaw added: "Stuart Lancaster and the other coaches have put together a game-plan and framework of how they want us to play and it's been about us seven, eight guys going out there, helping to drive standards, helping to drive training in order to get the most out of it and each other.

"Stuart's come in here and made his own mark and has been superb really.

"We've had a couple of speakers come in and talk to us, the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield, these kind of guys who have come in and spoken about what it means to represent your country and the honour that holds. So I think he's made a great mark on all the guys."

Robshaw, who was omitted from England's squad for the World Cup in New Zealand by previous coach Martin Johnson, admits he used that disappointment as a motivational factor going into the new season.

The back-rower has drawn widespread praise for his dynamic performances and leadership at Harlequins this term and is determined to keep improving.

"You don't get many opportunities to play for your country, yet alone go to a World Cup so it was a very hard time to take," he added.

"But we've had to use that motivation, going back to Harlequins or your own club and get back to winning ways and prove why you should be there and that is by performing week in, week out.

"You have to patient and hope that your hard work will pay off. Of course you doubt yourself, but it's about taking the feedback the coaches give you and improving your game."