Chris Robshaw says he’d love to continue as England captain.
The Harlequins back rower led his country to victory over Scotland last Saturday and is looking to do the same against Italy later today.
Robshaw won the battle to be named England leader ahead of the likes of Dylan Hartley, Tom Croft and Toby Flood but fellow bookies’ favourite Tom Wood was ruled out of the initial running due to a toe injury.
Wood is expected to be fit in time to face Wales on February 25, though, and England boss Stuart Lancaster hasn’t ruled out handing the Northampton flanker the armband for the Twickenham encounter.
But while Robshaw isn’t taking anything for granted and has his mind firmly focussed on the task in hand in Rome, he admits he’s keen to carry on as captain.
“I want to keep the captaincy,” said Robshaw.
“It's the biggest honour of my career and last Saturday was one of my proudest days – leading the guys out and singing the national anthem.
“It's one of those things you wish could continue long into the future. But first we've got to take care of today.”
Englandarrive in Italy on the back of a morale-boosting triumph at Murrayfield but that doesn’t mean they’re taking the Azzurri lightly.
Italy’s stunning victory over France in last season’s 6 Nations has Robshaw and co in no doubt as to how dangerous they can be, especially in front of a sell-out crowd at the Stadio Olympico.
“We have no illusions about what it is going to be like. When you go away from home it is you against a whole nation,” added Robshaw.
“Coming to Italy, to their capital in the heart of their country, is not easy and they are getting better year on year. They will want to go out and prove they are a rugby force.
“Italy are always a very physical and passionate side, they will hold the ball through phases and they will have a go through the forwards. It is about going toe to toe with each other and we will have to front up.
“We are under no illusions, we know what passion is coming. Everyone knows about the Italian passion but we have to match that. Everyone who is in this set-up at the moment is so passionate to play for their country. Last week's win showed the character of our guys.”
