Just over 24 hours from now (which will almost certainly be somewhat less by the time you read this) the English Premiership kicks off at Franklin’s Gardens where the Saints will be hosting a new look Gloucester side. Much of the media coverage has speculated on how it is ever more difficult to call this season, as the league teams have mostly recruited heavily and games will, inevitably, be increasingly competitive. Throw in the fact that England will be playing the Big Three plus Samoa in November, the new Rugby Championship and the 6 Nations all before next year’s World Cup and there is a veritable beef feast of uncompromising rugby for English fans to gorge on (the Celts and French also have a few games too, I believe). But, as exciting as this is, there is one other factor that is intriguing anyone interested in England and their rugby team – how will Sam Burgess work out (as in settling in to union, not how much iron he can bench press)?
The jury appears to be out and there has been a lot of discussion about how well (and how quickly) he’ll adapt to a different game. There have been a number of high profile successes (and failures) in converts from league to union (and indeed the other way, back when there was bugger all money in 15 a side). Pundits point to the relatively few really successful converts at international level – SBW, Jason Robinson, Brad Thorn and Lote Tuquiri to name a few of the few. On balance the view would appear to be that Sam hasn’t got enough time to learn the intricacies and to break into the England squad. They may well be right, but as the number 12 shirt has been a problem since Will Greenwood retired – and England have tried any number of centre partnerships without finding the right balance in the interim – so, maybe he’s worth a punt (sic).
He certainly puts himself about – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30OjXw-niu8 and there won’t be many relishing taking him head on (with or without the ball). A combination of Manu and Sam may not be the most subtle looking partnership but it certainly wouldn’t be the most fragile either! Accepted Sam may have to learn to tackle a bit lower – and to use his arms a bit more – but I for one would like to see him having a go in the Red Rose shirt. Bath’s Mike Ford and Stuart Lancaster seem to have agreed to play him in the centre once he arrives – and all at the Rec will be waiting with bated breath to see him in action (although some of his future opponents may be less keen). Me? I’d fast track him into the England squad for the 6 Nations – just to have a look. In the absence of anyone really putting their hand up to stand alongside Manu, where’s the harm? Still – what do I know – I’d also have Steffon on board too in World Cup year if it was up to me!
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