Owen Farrell believes ex-rugby league star Sam Burgess is primed to make a major impact on his England debut in a World Cup warm-up match against France at Twickenham on Saturday.
While Saracens star Farrell is hoping to press firmly his own World Cup claims when he regains the white No.10 jersey ahead of George Ford in an experimental side for the latest visit of France, he is also relishing the opportunity to link up with Burgess in the backs.
Burgess, 26, has been fast-tracked into the international set-up after switching codes to play for Bath having helped the South Sydney Rabbitohs win last year’s NRL premiership.
Several former England union internationals, including Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson, have questioned the wisdom of picking him at inside centre to partner another debutant in Exeter’s Henry Slade in midfield.
Yet Farrell – the son of dual code international Andy, now a member of coach Stuart Lancaster’s backroom staff – was not so worried, saying: “Sam is ready for it.
“He has a big chance to really put himself in the frame for a World Cup spot and he knows it.
“He’s a big game player. Just look at his record in rugby league. It was outstanding in both England and Australia.
“He’s only been in union a relative short time but he has improved week by week and learnt a lot.”
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