Robshaw wants to put down Word Cup marker

RBS SIX NATIONS:

Sunday’s pivotal title showdown will have psychological ramifications far beyond the outcome of the RBS 6 Nations, which has become a four-way shoot-out with two rounds remaining.

It will be Wales’ final visit to Twickenham before the rivals clash at the same venue in the World Cup and their head coach Warren Gatland on Wednesday outlined what is at stake.

“We have two big games at Twickenham in the World Cup against England and Australia,” Gatland said.

“If we can win on Sunday, that is four in a row (against England) and if we then win the Six Nations as well, you start having a few doubts.”

Robshaw understands the enormity of the occasion as England seek a first win in the fixture under head coach Stuart Lancaster.

“We play at Twickenham in the pool stages of the World Cup and of course there’s still next year’s competition as well,” the England captain said.

“If Wales win every game going into the World Cup, it’s not going to fill you with confidence, is it?

“You want to make sure you can get one over on them and get the results when it matters.”

Of the three consecutive defeats inflicted by Wales, last year’s 30-3 rout in Cardiff was by far the most gruesome as an England team on the brink of winning the Grand Slam was put to the sword.

Notable victories over Australia, Argentina and Ireland have been pieced together since, but memories of that traumatic 80 minutes at the Millennium Stadium will only be truly dispelled by beating Gatland’s champions.

England have opted against viewing the match as a motivational tool with Robshaw stressing that 12 months and eight Tests later, they are a different proposition.

“I don’t think there’s any point in replaying last year’s game. What it shows is what not to do,” Robshaw said.

Robshaw will lock horns with Lions captain Sam Warburton for the third time, a player he admires .

“Sam is an incredible player and he’s shown that over the last couple of years. Both he and Dan Lydiate work very well together,” Robshaw said.

“Dan is very good at those kind of chop-axe tackles and it allows the next guy, which is normally Sam, to close in on the ball.”