England captaincy appeals to Nick Easter

Moody is set to miss the first three games of the competition because of ligament trouble, leaving manager Martin Johnson light on leaders. But Harlequins No 8 Easter, who captained England to victory over Samoa in November, hopes to be given the chance to lead from the front in Moody's absence.

He said: "Captaining England is a massive honour and I have enjoyed doing it in the past, so of course, if the opportunity came along, I would take it with both hands. The other players want to follow a guy who is playing well, so it is crucial to do that, to be an inspiration to the team."

Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw is hoping that Moody's injury will give him the chance to stake a claim for a regular place in the England squad.

Johnson is expected to name a replacement for the Bath flanker on Monday and Robshaw, along with Andy Saull, Tom Wood and Phil Dowson, is a potential candidate.

Robshaw, who is currently in the England Saxons squad, said: "I'll have to wait and see if I'm picked as Lewis' replacement. It's a long time since I made my debut but I'm hoping that I will be able to squeeze myself in. If I did get in it would be a good opportunity."

l England international Delon Armitage has been charged by the RFU after he allegedly pushed a doping control officer. It is also alleged that he used threatening and/or abusive and obscene language towards the officer from UK Anti-Doping during a routine test immediately after London Irish's game against Bath on New Year's Day.