Stuart Lancaster issues backing for England captain Chris Robshaw

Stuart Lancaster has backed England captain Chris Robshaw after the Harlequins flanker’s decision-making was questioned following the 16-15 loss to South Africa.

With England trailing 16-12, the 26-year-old opted for a kick at goal rather than going for touch and creating a chance to score a match-winning try from the subsequent line-out.

“The most important thing is we backed the captain and the players are 100 per cent behind him,” said the England head coach.

“We’re all in it together and that’s the fundamental of teams.

“International sport’s tough and it puts pressure on you as a leader.

“Games are never won on one decision. There were lots of little decisions that put us in that position and meant we were chasing the game.

“But it was a much improved performance from us against a pretty good side.”

He added: “If we’d have gone to the corner there’s no guarantee we would have won the line-out.

“Equally, if we’d have gone for the goal there’s no guarantee we would win the kick-off. And, unfortunately, that was the way it transpired. So we’re all gutted for him to be honest because we left him in that position.”