Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea has defended Chris Robshaw following his side's narrow 26-25 defeat to Exeter at Sandy Park. The England captain, who is set to meet incoming head coach Eddie Jones to discuss his future, delivered a strong performance in the losing effort.
O'Shea praised Robshaw's contributions, saying: 'I hope people take a long, hard look before writing him off. He has been one of the outstanding back row forwards in this country for many a year. He made yards today when you didn't think he could make yards. He was turning the ball over, he was tackling, he was working.'
In other Premiership news, Saracens forwards coach Alex Sanderson has downplayed speculation linking him with a role in Jones's new England set-up. Despite backing from former Saracens and England wing David Strettle, Sanderson told BT Sport: 'It is very flattering but there are many other coaches out there who are more experienced and are perhaps better placed to have that position.'
Saracens cruised to a 48-18 victory over Worcester at Twickenham, with Chris Ashton scoring two tries and Charlie Hodgson kicking 18 points to surpass 2,500 Premiership points. Wasps continued their fine form with a 33-15 win over London Irish, while Newcastle earned their first points of the season with a draw against Sale after Danny Cipriani missed a last-minute penalty.
