Robshaw: Back with a bang

Harlequins captain Robshaw has led Harlequins to the top of the Aviva Premiership with 10 straight league wins and, on Sunday, to an historic victory over four-time European champions Toulouse in the Heineken Cup.

The 25-year-old now seems certain to receive his England call-up for the Six Nations and add to the solitary cap he won against Argentina in 2009.

There have even been calls for him to come in as captain, such has been his impact at The Stoop this year.

Robshaw was one of those who impressed most during England's pre-World Cup training camp but he failed to make the final 30-man squad.

Martin Johnson's decision to leave Robshaw at home was highlighted by one unnamed player in the leaked World Cup report as an example of the management's poor selection.

"It was very frustrating," Robshaw said. "You have your dark moments and your sulks. When I sulk I keep myself to myself, eat a lot of junk food and don't really do too much!

"I would have loved to go to New Zealand. It shows people care when they show their emotion.

"But you have to get back on the horse. All the guys here (at Harlequins) gave me stick for missing pre-season with them.

"They got me straight back into it and we had the best response possible, going 10 games unbeaten in the league."

Harlequins' victory in Toulouse, which kept their Heineken Cup campaign alive, came just nine days after they had been taught a brutal lesson at home by the French giants.

"It was incredible. It was a very proud day for myself. Everyone did their part and that is what made the whole team function," Robshaw said.

The home defeat to Toulouse was Harlequins' first defeat in competition this season. Toulouse boast a budget around four times that available to director of rugby Conor O'Shea.

Immediately after the win in France, O'Shea said: "It was the size of the heart against the size of the wallet - and the heart won."

Harlequins field more English players than any other Premiership team and that, O'Shea believes, is the key to their current success.

"It is important you grow together," said O'Shea, who could potentially see Robshaw, Mike Brown, Ugo Monye, Joe Marler, Danny Care, Nick Easter, Joe Gray and George Robson all called up for Six Nations duty.

"History shows teams that are predominantly home-based, especially when we don't have the budget of others, have more of a heart and will to play for one another.

"That can sometimes be better than to spend on galacticos."

Robshaw feels he has grown into the leadership responsibilities - and he is not shy to crack the whip or come down hard, if he believes it is in the best interests of the team.

Harlequins have their own set of values that are pinned up on the wall in the team-room at their Surrey Sports Centre base.

"You all have to buy into it as a team," said Robshaw.

"Sometimes you have to make a hard decision and that comes with being a captain. Sometimes you might not be liked but you do it because you think it is for the best of the team.

"Hopefully we are going in the right direction."

And on the England captaincy, Robshaw added: "It is pretty surreal, to be honest.

"It is very flattering. I need to get into the team first and hopefully that will happen."