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Many people keenly await Sam Burgess’ first run-on start in rugby. Yet most pundits predict he will fail because he lacks the guile, the passing game and the speed to succeed as a rugby union centre.
The challenge of having less than a year to learn the intricacies of elite level forward play makes many think the task will be too hard.
But English rugby coaches are known for their innovative style, and Burgess can be easily integrated into a clever game plan, and moreover has the champion qualities the complete this mission.
At 25 he leaves rugby league as possibly the best forward ever. High praise indeed considering players like Arthur Beetson, Norm Provan, Mal Reilly, Johnny Raper, Bradley Clyde and Sonny Bill Williams.
Burgess debuted for England as a 20-year-old and created plenty of problems for a very good Australian side in his maiden Test series. English coach Steve McNamara realised at that stage Burgess was suited the middle of the ruck, because of the clever relationship he had with the small men in his club side.
At international level he quickly forged a relationship with Sam Tomkins, James Roby, and Kevin Sinfield. It was really the old mind set – lack of belief – which then, and still, crueled England against Australia and prevented them from winning.
You could see at an early stage Burgess believed he could beat the Australians. At an international level he displayed the attributes of a front rower, a lock and a wide running second rower. Even at a young age his timing, awareness of other players’ abilities and his ability to anticipate opportunities made him one of the better players of the day.
Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire was no doubt watching Burgess from the time he made his debut for England.
Let’s look at the way Maguire used Burgess. He built a team around Burgess and had the good fortune to acquire Greg Inglis. Maguire used Burgess intelligently on the left side of the ruck in 2013 and we saw glimpses of a deft passing game that many thought he had lacked up to that point. His interchange with John Sutton, Issac Luke and Adam Reynolds opened up even the best defences.
But more recently Maguire used Burgess primarily as a battering ram in the middle of the ruck. Maguire knew that Burgess had an amazing motor, that he could bend the line and then offload through the line and even break the line occasionally. This is what the English rugby coaches will have liked seeing the most. I don’t believe their move in securing Burgess was as much an attack on league, as simply buying a type of player who didn’t already exist in the rugby ranks.
Aiming Burgess at smaller backs in less traffic will create problems for even the best teams. England with quick ball are a damaging and dangerous side. The English coaches will no doubt create planned moves with Burgess scything back across the ruck similar to South Sydney’s. A combination with Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Luther Burrell, Brad Barritt, and Billy Twelvetrees could install England as tournament favourites at home.
His tackling style is brutal, effective and clinical, and particularly good close to the line. He made a low tackle close to the line against another noted wrecking ball Sam Moa in the NRL finals series. Moa seemed in disbelief, until he saw the man who had claimed him.
Burgess has the game sense and a knack of winning that you like to see in a sportsman. He had so much belief in his ability, and was so comfortable under Maguire than he became unstoppable. There was an air about him that he could win at will. And his display in the league grand final showed an admirable fortitude. His challenge is to have the same success with Bath and then with England, without his brothers.
Burgess’ play now exhibits a humility only seen in very elite athletes. He has learned from his mistakes. A high tackle on Sonny Bill Williams in last year’s World Cup semi-final gave New Zealand a chance to win the game, which was duly taken. This indiscretion hurt Burgess, but more importantly is now manifested in better discipline and overall maturity in the 2014 season. He has controlled his aggression, and therefore his discipline is excellent.
For those who have expressed doubts about Burgess, prepare to eat your words, as the modern game can easily accommodate a player like him. Beware opposition inside backs and opposition coaches.
English rugby league’s loss is English rugby’s gain. Who knows, this guy might be even better in front of 85,000 at Twickenham.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.