BATH forwards coach Neal Hatley has backed Rob Webber to play a big role for World Cup success.

The host nation kick off their campaign this evening against Fiji at Twickenham with the Bath hooker the only change to England’s team that beat Ireland in their final World Cup warm-up game.

Webber has earned himself a place on the bench ahead of Saracens’ Jamie George and Hatley has praised the character of the 29-year-old.

Having lost his place as first choice hooker at Bath to Ross Batty, Webber has fought hard over the summer to clinch his England spot.

“I’m really pleased,” said Hatley. “He (Webber) has made some good physical gains, he has changed his shape and I think he has lost about four or five kgs.

“Speaking to the England management they are really pleased with the way that he has gone.

“After what was a disappointing period for him; he had a tough time when got knocked off top spot by Ross Batty and it is probably the first time it has happened to him.

“He had to really apply himself and all credit to him he did.

“He worked really hard to try and get back his starting spot and, from what I gather, he did the same thing with England.

“I am really pleased that he has been rewarded with a bench spot against Fiji for the opening game.”

Hatley believes that Stuart Lancaster’s use of the squad in the group of death, which includes Australia, Wales and Fiji, which is why he is backing Webber to be a crucial part of Lancaster’s plans.

“I think he will have a key role to play,” he added.

“I think these games where they come so thick and fast you can’t expect your five forwards, especially with games against Wales and Australia which are going to be physical games, to play every minute.

“You need to use your squad effectively to make sure your players are fresh for the back end of the tournament.

“While he may not have as many caps as you would expect, he has been around that environment for a long time.”

“In terms of a leadership point of view, he is very good in what he does leading the set piece and leading the scrum and he is a very vocal defender.”