Jason Robinson eyes up France

England skipper determined to get the show back on the road

Despite Saturday's scoreline at the Millenium Stadium, one Englishman will always look back on the date with a modicum of pride, for it was Jason Robinson's first championship match as England captain.

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Although the result went against his side, Robinson told Planet Rugby that he was "truly honoured" to compete in one of sport's most hallowed fixtures as his country's captain.

Robinson's new title of England skipper forms the most recent bullet-point on a staggeringly impressive CV.

A world-class Rugby League star for Wigan Warriors and Great Britain before his cross-code switch in 2000 to Rugby Union, Robinson's rise in the 15-man code has been nothing short of astonishing, and it took him little time to cemented himself as one of the most exciting runners in the world game.

Robinson scored an amazing 184 tries in 302 League matches, still holding the joint record of having scored tries in six successive Great Britain Test matches, and it was not long before he was bringing the same sort of success to Sale Sharks, England and the British and Irish Lions.

"To be honest, I never thought I would lead England out for a Six Nations match," said Robinson, who assumes the England throne in the absence of the injured Jonny Wilkinson.

"I never really grasped the significance of this competition whilst I was growing up, but now I can clearly see why it's the highlight of the rugby year.

"The passion of the crowds at all six venues is something to behold, and that kind of support always lifts the players and makes for really exciting contests."

Robinson has inherited a team in flux, but is adamant that England still have what it takes to claim this year's Six Nations title.

"As we all know, there has been lots of retirements and injuries, but there's still plenty of talent and experience about," said Robinson.

"On a leadership front, my life is made easier by the knowledge that people like Matt [Dawson], Phil [Vickery], Danny [Grewcock] and Steve Thompson are on the pitch - they are all highly experienced captains in their own right.

"To have that kind of quality at your disposal gives you a massive boost."

Robinson will need all his lieutenants on full alert when France come calling at Twickenham on Sunday.

Les Bleus were rattled by the Scots in Paris at the weekend, and know that a big win over England will silence their growing band of critics.

"France are a class side, with some of the finest runners in the game," said Robinson.

"They always raise their game for England - as does everyone! - but they haven't beaten us at home since 1997 and will be keen to put that right on Sunday.

"But we'll be up for it, have no doubt about that - we just cannot lose two in a row."

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