By Gerard Meagher

Former England captain Lewis Moody claims Chris Robshaw has silenced his critics to prove he is the number one openside flanker in the country.

Robshaw was rested for the summer tour to Argentina and, despite Harlequins’ early season struggles, has returned to inspire his country to wins over Australia and the Pumas.

“At the minute, Chris is playing there and deserves to be starting, allied with Tom Wood who is just a big old grafter and puts a huge amount of work in around the park,” said Moody at the LV= Cup launch last week.

“That is a good balance and until there is someone who really puts their hand up and demands to be starting, I think they are the right men.

“Having been a captain, I know the pressures Chris is under, and just as equally the pressures you put on yourself to perform and the extra attention from the media and the outside world.

“He’s done a great job and mentally has been very strong, through the leadership issues of last autumn over his decision-making and a tough summer not going with the Lions.”

Quins, who host Sale Sharks tonight, got the defence of their LV= Cup crown off to a sluggish start with a 19-5 defeat at Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, with the only highlight being winger Paul Sackey’s first try for the club.

Be part of the rugby family at the LV=Cup Final at Sandy Park, Exeter on March 16. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.co.uk