Robinson to captain England on Saturday

JASON ROBINSON admitted he felt “blessed” to have been awarded the England captaincy for Saturday’s Test against Canada at Twickenham.

The Sale fullback, a devout Christian, turned to his belief after being asked by England coach Andy Robinson to take on the responsibility in the absence of Jonny Wilkinson.

The England management had no hesitation in where to turn after Wilkinson was ruled out with a haematoma but after being asked last week, Robinson took guidance before accepting the invitation to become England’s first black captain.

“I was surprised, very surprised. Andy told me to have a think about it, which I did. I didn’t give an answer straight away. I went back and I had a pray about it. I saw him the next day and shook his hand and said I would be delighted to do it,” Robinson recalled.

“It’s a massive responsibility and you’ve got to think about it. Deep down inside I was very excited about it and I couldn’t stop smiling.

“The obvious choice is to say ‘yes’ straight away. I knew, like I had always done, I should go away and pray about it. I came back the next day and there was no doubt in my mind. I wanted to do it.”

ENGLAND (v Canada): J Robinson (Sale Sharks, capt); M Cueto (Sale Sharks), M Tindall (Bath, vice-captain), H Paul (Gloucester), J Lewsey (Wasps), C Hodgson (Sale Sharks), A Gomarsall (Gloucester); G Rowntree (Leicester), S Thompson (Northampton), J White (Leicester), D Grewcock (Bath), S Borthwick (Bath), A Hazell (Gloucester), L Moody (Leicester), 8 M Corry (Leicester).

Replacements: A Titterrell (Sale Sharks), A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), B Kay (Leicester), H Vyvyan (Saracens), H Charlton (Newcastle), W Greenwood (Harlequins), B Cohen (Northampton).