Former NRL star Sam Burgess will make his first start for his English rugby union club Bath in Friday night’s European Champions Cup clash against Montpellier.
Burgess will line up at inside centre – the position England coach Stuart Lancaster wants to see him play – in the home fixture after two appearances off the bench since recovering from the fractured cheekbone suffered playing for South Sydney in the NRL grand final win in early October.
The 25-year-old will be partnered in midfield by Jonathan Joseph as Bath look for a quickfire return Pool Four victory over Montpellier after beating them 30-5 in France last Friday.
Burgess’s competitive rugby union career so far totals around 50 minutes, but he is already being touted as a contender for England in this season’s Six Nations Championship.
“Sam getting more game-time is a massive bonus for us,” Bath head coach Mike Ford said.
“He is going to be our enforcer, with the way he defends. We’re pleased where he is.
“It’s a bit disappointing that it has been raining in both games he came on in (against Harlequins and Montpellier) because we didn’t have much chance to use him. But what he has done, he’s done well so far.”
A week before that tournament starts, England’s seconds, the Saxons, will face the Irish Wolfhounds in Cork, and it is thought Burgess is likely to make the Saxons squad for that January 30 encounter.
aussikiwi
Guest
Thanks NB, don't recall him ever kicking the ball for Souths, that would be almost as novel for him as a ruck! Still they didn't call him Slamming Sam for nothing round these parts!
44bottles
Roar Guru
I think it refers to the original video where he dwarfs Ranger when tackling him Because of the way Ranger plays, people think he's a lot bigger than he is. He's quite a lot shorter than expected, just knows how to throw his weight around.
Not Bothered
Guest
Yeah he was pretty good. He started off a bit ordinary but he finished off pretty well. He didnt have a lot of carries and kicked once when he had 3 vs 1 outside him but all things considered he was good. I doubted he would make it and Im still not convinced but he definately surprised me a few times. Last week he definately didnt justify his spot on the ground because he was ordinary but this week, although its fair to say he was hit and miss, he showed a lot of promise and played well enough to justify being in the team, even if he still hasnt justified starting ahead of Eastmond. He needs to work on his distribution and if possible his punt. His playmaking, along with those basics he hasnt adapted to yet, will improve with time. As I said, Im still not completely convinced he will make it to high level in rugby before he chucks it in and returns to league but he certainly made me question that prediction with a respectable performance.
Not Bothered
Guest
A giant? In whatever context thats being used its wrong. If it refers to his ability then he has done nothing yet in union and if it applies to his size then hes not a giant either. Hes very big for an inside centre but still there are bigger at international level.
aussikiwi
Guest
Had a good game by all accounts.
swamprat
Roar Pro
Sam Burgess is a giant among rugby players. The only comparison right now is SBW and S.B is younger and stronger. He will be very very good and I believe he will be in the 6 nations squad. At inside centre , playing for England , he won't have a Dan Carter or that South African new guy to unleash him but I think he is good enough to be one of the best , on his own terms. Then again he might not but he ho.