Sam Burgess
Springbok loose forward Francois Louw is backing his Bath teammate Sam Burgess to make his debut for England on the flank.
Rugby League convert Burgess has impressed since moving to the back row from the centres, and is widely tipped to be included in England’s pre-World Cup training squad – which will be named on Wednesday.
“I don’t think Sam will struggle at international level,” said Louw. “He will hold his own.”
“Stuart Lancaster has his hands full with loose forwards, but it’s not going to be too long before Sam makes his international debut on the flank.”
“Maybe it will be at this year’s World Cup and I’ll see him there.”
Burgess, who moved to Bath from the South Sydney Rabbitohs in October, scored in Bath’s 50 / 30 win over Gloucester on Saturday.
Describing Burgess’s evolution in the 15-man code, Louw added: “When Sam started at No 12 he was good and still trying to find his feet in Rugby Union, then it was a big move to back row.
“There’s a big difference to playing in the centres and I think he’s grasped that with both hands.
“He’s such a hungry player in the sense of learning and trying to better himself and adapt. He’s really grasped the blindside jersey with both hands and made it his own. He’s been solid for us, especially with his carries in the midfield.
“Sam and I spend a lot of time together discussing tactics and how to influence games.
“He brings a lot to the squad, including leadership.
“Sam being Sam, he’s a guy who’s open to help. He’s happy to take advice from anyone around the squad.”
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Bath head coach Mike Ford wants Sam Burgess to make World Cup squad
Sam Burgess’ leadership skills will be a vital asset for England’s World Cup training squad, says Bath head coach Mike Ford.
Burgess, 26, is poised to be included on Wednesday in a party of about 50 players for the summer training camps.
And Ford says there are good reasons for England boss Stuart Lancaster selecting the cross-code star.
“The influence he has and leadership, he always talks about putting the team 1st,” Ford said.
He added: “He has the type of attitude that says – when the pressure is on – ‘give me the ball, we’ll be alright’.
“I think playing with George Ford every week, playing with Kyle Eastmond every week has helped Sam as well. Going into England those guys will bring out his skill-set more often than not.”
Having started his union career in the centre after switching from rugby league in 2014, Burgess has recently moved to the back-row, where he will spend “hopefully the next 5 years” for his club, according to Ford.
“He’s beginning to be everything I thought he’d be,” added the former England assistant coach.
“The last 2 weeks he’s made the most plays for us, which is fantastic. He’s a guy who thrives on being involved. He’s done exactly what I want.”
Ford says he is not concerned about the difference in opinion over Burgess’ position, with England understood to still consider him as an inside-centre.
“Me and Sam talk everyday and he understands that for Bath Rugby, and the way we try and play the game, his skill-set suits the back row for us,” Ford said.
“The way England try and play and what Stuart sees is a different matter, we can’t control that. If he plays centre he’s only making 10 plays a game, not 50 like he is for us, so you aren’t getting the best out of him.
“But I think he can easily go back from 6 to 12 if Stuart wants to do that.”
bbc