Injured Robshaw handed high praise by Lancaster

Robshaw will miss the final Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday after breaking his thumb in the defeat by the Springboks in Johannesburg last weekend.

It is a bitter blow for the team and the 26-year-old flanker, who has proved an inspired choice as captain since being appointed by Lancaster for this year’s RBS Six Nations Championship.

The Harlequins forward had just two previous caps to his name before that tournament but his influential performances have been one of the key factors in England’s recovery since their calamitous World Cup campaign last autumn.

Lancaster, himself new to the job for the Six Nations, said: “Where Chris has exceeded everyone’s expectations is in his ability to manage the responsibility of being England captain, captaining his club side to the Premiership final and still playing tremendously well at the same time. That is what makes his season so special.

“He has been a massive part in galvanising the team to become the squad it is now.”

Hooker Dylan Hartley will take over as captain as England look to salvage some pride from the three-Test series after defeats in Durban and Johannesburg.

The 26-year-old has not produced his best form on the tour and recently served an eight-week ban for biting but Lancaster expects the Northampton front row to rise to the challenge.

Lancaster said: “In the changing room before the game you hear lots of voices. You have the captain’s voice but I can guarantee you Dylan’s voice is close behind, encouraging, shouting, motivating.”