Rugby: Hartley impresses in capataincy debut

Dylan Hartley earned the pass mark in his first game as England captain. Photo / Getty

Kiwi Dylan Hartley has been given the tick in his first game as England rugby captain by former coach Sir Clive Woodward.

Hartley led the side in their 15-9 win over Scotland yesterday and Woodward has described him as composed and in control.

He hit his man every time at the lineout and anchored that front row in the scrum. He did spill the kick-off at the start of the second half, but I was glad he stayed on almost to the end.

Woodward said Eddie Jones may have got off to a winning start in his first Six Nations game at Murrayfield but there was plenty of room for improvement as he turns his attention to Italy in Rome this weekend.