There is a huge amount of hype in English rugby circles surrounding rugby league convert Sam Burgess.
Burgess was one of the stars of the NRL in Australia before making the switch to union with Bath last year. He had an up and down first year in his new code, coping well with the physicality - but is taking longer to adapt to the nuances of attacking and rucking play of union.
Burgess was tried in the centres, before settling in the backrow. England head coach Stuart Lancaster has already said he will only be considered as a centre for England this World Cup.
Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll analysed Burgess based on England's first warm up game against France last weekend. The media and fan reaction to that game was that it was Burgess' best game so far highlighted by a monster hit on Dimitri Szarzewski in the opening minutes.
O'Driscoll wrote on his personal website, that he thinks Burgess has an X factor in defence:
His tackle technique and strength in the hit were never in question and for me, he has just the right amount of thug in him to make having a go just a fleeting thought.
But O'Driscoll as concerns about his attacking play, especially the thought process surrounding the ruck.
The difference between attack play in Rugby League & Union is that in Union the hard work starts when the player is tackled and the ruck forms.
I just don’t think he’s quite up to speed at international level just yet.
As much as all eyes were on the League convert, it was actually his centre partner that stole the show for me.
O'Driscoll did have a lot of kind words for Burgess' centre partner Henry Slade. Slade is a 22-year-old who is equally comfortable at 10, 12 and 13.
It remains to be seen whether either will make England's final World Cup squad, but it's almost a surprise that the inexperienced pair have survived so many cuts to the England squad.
[brianodriscoll.com]
See Also: Brian O'Driscoll Really Is A Good Sport When People Shout Things At Him On The Street
See Also: Sam Burgess: Union Is Harder Than It Looks
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
