Sam Burgess is unlikely to feature in England’s Six Nations rugby campaign, with coach Stuart Lancaster claiming it would be a “big, big step” for the former NRL star.
Burgess was named in England’s second-string Saxons squad on Wednesday and is expected to start at inside centre against the Irish Wolfhounds in Cork on January 30.
The announcement of Burgess’ path to a World Cup berth was made the same day Lancaster named his 34-man training squad for the Six Nations opener away to Wales on February 6.
“I think it would be a big, big step for Sam Burgess to make a contribution during the Six Nations, if I’m being honest,” said Lancaster.
“The reality is that the selection for the World Cup squad will come down to club form and how players go in the training camp.”
The 26-year-old former South Sydney star has made only seven first-team appearances for Bath since his high-profile switch from the Rabbitohs.
“I am really excited. It’s a great opportunity to get out and see what I can do within the English set-up,” Burgess told Associated Press.
Burgess spent his early weeks in Bath recovering from a facial injury suffered during the NRL grand final before making his debut off the bench against Harlequins in late November.
That was followed by three starts, including a try-scoring display in the English Premiership victory over Wasps earlier this month.
“It’s great to get a first taste of international rugby,” said Burgess.
“It’s a long way until the World Cup. I’ll take it step by step.
“Obviously, the injury delayed things, so it is good to get the opportunity.
“It has been a steep learning curve for me. You learn in training, but I think you do the most realistic learning on a game day.
“Certainly, as my minutes on the field have crept up, I think my performances have improved and I have got more game-awareness.
“There is still so much to learn and so many things to improve on, but I am really enjoying the transition. I am starting to understand the game a bit more.”
Former league star turned rugby international Andy Farrell believes the Saxons appearance will be tremendous for Burgess.
“It’s a steep learning curve and for him to be involved in the Saxons is great for him,” said the England backs coach.
“We’re pleased with his progress, certainly.”
Burgess is focussed on keeping things as simple as possible.
“I think the game is as complicated as you make it,” Burgess said.
“I try to look at it as simple as possible. If you do the simple things well, you put yourself in a good position.
“Understanding the breakdown of all the different areas of the game has been interesting. The skill level inside a game is unbelievable.
“It’s chaos out there on the field in terms of everything happening so fast. Every ruck is contestable, and it is a totally different mindset.”
soapit
Guest
early contenders for posts of the year
Wardad
Guest
But was a riding crop involved ,and were you referring to impromptu water sports ?
pjm
Roar Rookie
He never said it was better, he said it was different. You sell the difference Daz you duffy
nerval
Guest
The 7 first team appearances actually include only 2 full games. There's an outside chance he'll make an appearance off the bench in the 6 Nations. Having said that, he's not a three-quarter, he's a forward down to his bootstraps. If he stays in the game, it is in the pack where he will truly shine.
JimmyB
Guest
I can tell you that it won't be Tuilagi.
JimmyB
Guest
Ok Daz, I'll do that.
Not Bothered
Guest
Lancaster is a mystery to me. If Burgess is in the running for a WC spot it would be fo0lish not to include him against Italy and perhaps Scotland, although Scotland are a good side with Cotter pulling the strings. Ireland are so impressive that I have to put them as favs. Wales should be a fav but imo Gatland is a poor coach that has handicapped that team for years now. France wont win it but they could beat anyone in any game. Italy will come last, they are not improving a great deal but they have some good players, just not a good team. England will challenge for the title but with injury and Lancasters musical chair selection policy its hard to see them being able to gel under his erratic coaching. Whos the 12? Is it 36, Eastmond, Tuilagi, Farrell, Burrell or Barritt? Imo it should be Eastmond if he is determined to play a wider game and either Burrell or Burgess if he wants to play more direct. He seriously needs to settle on a group of players for his 23 and his ridiculous suggestion that it will all depend on club form is a worry. Teams need to be peaking at the world cup, not meeting for the first time. I was a fan of Lancaster at first but he is just frustrating now. The backline is really struggling to gel and his solution is to keep changing it which (imo) is the cause of the problem, not the solution.
Not Bothered
Guest
Are you on 'shrooms?
Magic Sponge
Guest
Just imagine burgess vs beale, that would be hilarious.
Daz
Guest
Oh you young guys just go back to your multi-coloured lives you lead a mile wide but an inch deep.
JimmyB
Guest
Err...wtf?
Daz
Guest
Faark do I need to draw pictures? In the olden days, when we still got around in horse and buggies, urinals were flushed by these long arms that came down from the cistern overhead, ending in a spread head that squirted water out once the chain was pulled. Some wags used to undo the screws that attached the arms to the stainless steel of the urinal just so they could pull them up out of their vertical position and see the water squirt all over you. Women did not suffer such indignities. In fact they were treated with far more respect. On asking one sickly female if she had been bedridden before she answered " Young man of course I have, and twice in a sulky."
Not Bothered
Guest
What?
Daz
Guest
One lousy bloody comment so far. And that's no reflection on RobC. Footie is footie is footie and if you're good and smart at one you will be good at the other. Why the need to see the highest wet mark on the urinal? And ok if you're a Carney you don't have to shoot that far. The worst thing that can happen to you is when the flushers are not attached to the wall and the guy standing next to you pulls one out and aims it squarely at you while you are in mid stream.
RobC
Roar Guru
Fantastic. Its great when a league player moves to Rugby, and says how good Rugby is: - interesting - unbelievable skill level - totally different mindset Get it ARU? That above is what you sell. PLAY IT, ENJOY IT. Its not about Capetown.