Centre Jamie Roberts has done his bit for Anglo-Welsh relations at Harlequins after revealing he had some sympathy for England captain Chris Robshaw.

The British & Irish Lion, who is set to star at the Stoop after the Rugby World Cup, starts for Wales against Australia at Twickenham tomorrow as the Celts go in search of top spot in Pool A.

The 28-year-old was part of the Welsh side that defeated England – featuring new clubmates Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown and Joe Marler – a fortnight ago.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has admitted in hindsight that result was the key contributor to his side making an early exit from the tournament.

Saturday’s defeat to Australia compounded what seemed to be the inevitable with Welsh coach Warren Gatland describing Pool A as the ‘pool of hell’.

And Roberts, right, admitted he could easily have been in the same shoes as his new Quins team-mates.

“It’s a brutal pool and there were always going to be three teams who missed out,” he said.

"We know the questions being asked of England.

“It’s about fine margins and those questions could have been asked about us if we had lost to England.”

Robshaw and his Quins team-mates return to their club following tomorrow’s final match with Uruguay.

And Kingston-based back rower is only thinking of finishing England’s World Cup campaign on a positive note.

“The newcomers are putting in a lot of energy,” he added.

“It’s all about putting in a professional job, making sure we train well and prepare well.

“All the guys are chomping at the bit to play.”