World Cup leader Martin Johnson on Thursday backed Martin Corry's appointment as England captain - and declared: "I am sure he will handle it fantastically well."
England number eight Corry, Johnsons Leicester team-mate, will take the reins against Italy next week, replacing the injured Jason Robinson.
Johnson has no doubt that Corry will be up to the task as England target a morale-boosting Twickenham triumph.
When Jason Robinson was injured I knew Martin Corry would be the leading contender, he said.
To captain England is such a massive thing in any sport, and I am delighted for him.
The reality of it is that he will press on and work out what needs to be done to beat Italy, and handle the role. He will want to play as well as he can, and do his job as well as he can.
I am sure he will handle it fantastically well. When he runs out (against Italy) he will take a moment to enjoy it and then get on with the game.
He is a top man, just the sort you need in a tight situation.