England pick league convert Sam Burgess for Rugby World Cup
Centre is preferred over regular Luther Burrell in the final 31-man squad despite playing just one international
Sam Burgess was selected in England’s 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup on Thursday after playing just one international match since his cross-code switch from rugby league 10 months ago.
Burgess was preferred to Luther Burrell, an England regular over the past two seasons, as one of four centres in a squad announced by coach Stuart Lancaster.
Burgess’ leadership skills and winning mentality have persuaded Lancaster to take a gamble on a player who has had more game time as a blindside flanker with Bath in the English league. His only appearance for England was in a World Cup warm-up match against a second-string France side on August 15.
Selection wasn’t easy and it is tough to leave anyone out but it’s important to stress that the players not in this group are still part of our wider squad and could come in at any point
There was no place for utility back Danny Cipriani, and Ben Morgan beat Nick Easter to the back-up number eight spot after returning from a broken leg. Injury-ravaged prop Alex Corbisiero missed out, two years after being one of the stars for the British and Irish Lions in their series win in Australia, as rival Kieran Brookes is able to cover both sides of the scrum.
It’s the selection of Burgess that is the talking point in England, though.
Former England internationals Will Carling, Matt Dawson and Mike Tindall are among those who have questioned the awareness and game-management skills of Burgess, who was one of the world’s best players in rugby league when he made his move to the 15-man code last year after winning the NRL grand final with South Sydney Rabbitohs in Australia.
He played better at flanker than at centre for Bath last season but Lancaster has been keen to use Burgess’ physicality and ball-carrying ability in midfield, which has been a problem area for England for the past decade.
