World Cup winner Lewis Moody insists Chris Robshaw’s role as England captain, let alone his place in the starting XV, should never have been questioned ahead of the autumn internationals, writes Luke Baker.

Despite relinquishing the role as captain at Harlequins to Joe Marler, Stuart Lancaster has once again turned to Robshaw to lead England into battles against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia over the coming month.

Robshaw was named England captain for the start of Lancaster’s reign in 2012, despite having played just once internationally, and has been almost ever-present since, only missing out on last summer’s trip to Argentina where Tom Wood stepped in.

However, with the likes of Wood, James Haskell, Calum Clark, Tom Croft, Matt Kvesic, Luke Wallace, Will Fraser and Tom Johnson all vying for two flanker positions, there were some calls on Robshaw to be dropped altogether.

That doesn’t look like happening any time soon following Lancaster’s announcement, and Moody is delighted the England head coach has avoided making any rash decisions.

“I think Robshaw is certainly still the man to lead England despite the criticism he has been receiving – he has done a great job so far,” said Moody, who is an LV= Cup ambassador.

“You look at his performances and he’s been man of the match on numerous occasions – his work-rate is absolutely relentless.

“I’d imagine Stuart will stick with Chris in his starting XV unless one of the English-based players really sticks his hand up.

“But, be it someone like Luke Wallace or Will Fraser, they’d have to be playing out of their skin week in, week out to oust Chris.

“They’d have to really say ‘I deserve that shirt and I deserve that opportunity to play’ otherwise I see it being Chris.

“His performances have dropped a little bit, but they haven’t dropped to the point where he’s not playing well. They’re just maybe not as high as the standard he sets himself.”

However, Moody does admit that while Robshaw should be the de facto choice for skipper regardless, a lack of alternatives certainly plays into the 28-year-old’s hands.

“Whenever you’re captain there are always questions over whether you’re good enough or whether there are better players, but ultimately it comes down to who Stuart trusts and you need experience in that role,” Moody added.

“There are very few players who have experience in that role – Dylan Hartley does, but would Stuart trust him? I doubt it. There’s also Tom Wood who could possibly step up to fill that role, but again he’s not had a huge amount of experience doing it, so it’s a tough ask.

“Wood would be one that I think Graham Rowntree and Stuart would be looking at as their next captain, but who else?”

* Be part of the rugby family at the LV= Cup Final at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton on Sunday 22 March. Visit northamptonsaints.co.uk for tickets