England response pleases Robshaw

Chris Robshaw believes England’s resilience during a gruelling autumn has proved they posses the mettle to survive the pressure-cooker environment of a home World Cup.

A 26-17 victory over Australia at Twickenham on Saturday salvaged respectability from an otherwise disappointing QBE Series characterised by stagnation with the countdown to next year’s global showpiece now spanning only eight games.

Comprehensive defeats by New Zealand and South Africa on the opening two weekends extended their losing run to five Tests, placing the squad under a cloud that has only been partially lifted with success against Samoa and Australia.