The 34-year-old Wasps number eight, who picked up a winners' medal four years ago, was last week named in Brian Ashton's 47-man preliminary training party, and Robinson believes he will make the 30-man squad for the tournament later this year.

Robinson, a key member of Sir Clive Woodward's staff for the triumph in Australia, told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek show: 'I think he will be, yes. He is a player you need in your squad and he will bind the other 29 together.

'Not only because of what he brings to your side, but also he brings a bit of fear to the opposition teams.

'They hold him in such high regard and respect that he will put some doubt in their minds.'

Dallaglio's contribution to his club's victorious European Cup campaign has demonstrated his enduring quality.

And with South Africa having dealt brutally with Ashton's men on their summer tour, Robinson says his international pedigree and sheer physicality will be invaluable at the World Cup.

He said: 'When you look at his performance in the European Cup final, it was a superb performance and I think the stage is set for him.

'There are a number of things that he brings. First and foremost is his performances, and I think a Lawrence Dallaglio that's right on top of his game, there is no better number eight in the world.

'It is about him getting back to those levels, and that was shown on the Lions tour in that first game against the Bay of Plenty, and it was shown in the European Cup final.

'You know Lawrence can produce those performances and if he does, there is no better number eight.

'The other aspect is the physicality he brings and the physicality he generates from the others.

'There is a commitment he demands and other players raise their game.

'When you go to play against South Africa - and England's biggest game of the pool games will be South Africa - you are going to need that level of physicality.'