Chris Robshaw's rise from sleepy Surrey village to England captain

As the World Cup draws closer so the scrutiny of Chris Robshaw grows ever sharper.

Every decision to kick to the corner will be second guessed as every turnover that Steffon Armitage wins will be used as a stick with which to beat the England captain.

This is nothing new.

Doubt has been Robshaw’s constant companion since he started playing competitive rugby.

Steve Shortland, his school coach at Millfield, remembers an England age-grade coach stating categorically that Robshaw would not become a professional rugby player.

“There was a real debate about whether he would make it or n…