Tuesday, 19 June 2012

No Final Test for Robshaw


England captain Chris Robshaw is out of Saturday's third and final Test against South Africa due to a broken thumb.

Hooker Dylan Hartley will take over as captain for the clash in Port Elizabeth as England bid to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster revealed that Harlequins flanker Robshaw had suffered a blow to the hand in the first Test in Durban, before taking another knock in Saturday's second Test loss in Johannesburg.

Lancaster said: "Chris, as you would imagine, is devastated. He has led us superbly in the last seven internationals and been one of our standout performers.

"But the medical advice is that he should not play and we have to trust that expert opinion.

"Dylan Hartley will captain the side. He has been a key part of our leadership group and I know he will step up to the task on Saturday."

Robshaw added: "I'm absolutely gutted. I've been very proud and honoured to lead this group during the Six Nations and on this tour and it's a difficult way to end the season.

"I know the lads can raise themselves for tomorrow and Saturday and I will be doing everything I can to support them."



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