There was much anticipation in the cold Friday night air at the Rec, prior to Sam Burgess’ full debut. The fans had good reason to be excited, after all, he was named the RLIF International Rugby League Player of the Year for 2014, before crossing-codes and joining Bath. His reputation for huge tackling and hard running would get any rugby fan licking their lips with excitement. Therefore it is not surprising that when the team sheets were read out, the cheer for his name was the loudest.
His debut itself was impressive. He came quickly out of the blocks, setting up Matt Banahan to score in the 3rd minute, albeit through a flukey pass off his knee. For Bath’s second try, he drew two defenders as a decoy runner, freeing up space for Rokoduguni, Joseph, Watson and Banahan to exploit, which they did with graceful ruthlessness. He made eight barnstorming carries too, sucking in two or three defenders each time. His first charge won a penalty which George Ford kicked to make the score 10-0, but this collision also reminded him that his cheekbone was still sore from the injury he suffered in the NRL Grand Final, as he walked away rubbing and stroking it like a wounded dog. This didn’t deter him though, as he showed once more that he is tough, as he continued to smash through Montpellier defenders for the rest of the game.
By far his best facet, however, was his tackling. He made 13 tackles, only missing one. None of these were soft tackles either. He is a big man who likes to hit hard: In one instance early on, he drove a Montpellier player from six metres infield into touch, with help from his centre partner, Jonathan Joseph. In another tackle he forced a penalty with a monstrous hit, while he initiated a choke tackle late on in the match to win a scrum for his side. Through the latter he demonstrated his raw strength, whilst also showing that he is learning the game fast. His technique is also improving; he made a conscious attempt to tackle with his shoulder, unlike in previous substitute appearances when he hit with his chest and tried to wrap the player up, but he did slip into this old habit once or twice during the course of the match.
It was clear from his first full 80 minutes, that centre will not be his best position. To be an inside-centre, you need to know when to pass, when to kick and when to run. Burgess rarely passed the ball, instead choosing to carry it into contact (which he did with great effect). He also attempted two grubber kicks, neither of which went to hand. An inside-centre also has the job of organising the offensive and defensive lines too, but Burgess lacked both the knowledge and the experience to do this. Evidence of this was the fact that Bath’s attack was so unstructured, unusual for a side who have been so efficient and ruthless this season. Another reason that Burgess shouldn’t fledge into an inside-centre, is because their incumbent, Kyle Eastmond, suits the role better, and without him, Bath are a weaker animal. If Burgess is to play for England, which is his goal, he will need to pin down a starting spot for Bath first, something which he’ll struggle to do at centre.
Therefore Sam Burgess would better suit the position of Number 8. Number 8 is a less technical position than centre: A Number 8 should be strong, physical, and powerful, all attributes which Burgess possesses. He carries like an 8, he tackles as ferociously as an 8, and he hits rucks like an 8. If Bath and England are to fully benefit from Burgess’ strengths, then there is no better position for him than at the base of the scrum. If he remains at centre, his strengths won’t be utilised as frequently, and his weaknesses will be revealed more easily. There is no reason why he won’t succeed, wherever he plays though, as he has an eagerness to learn. He recently told EPCRugby.com:
“To get a full 80 was good. I’m looking forward to reviewing the game and seeing where I can improve.”
Indeed, Bath Head Coach Mike Ford has been impressed and has vowed to deploy him in the back-row in the coming weeks, to see how he gets on. A very, very wise move Mr. Ford, a game-changing move perhaps. One thing is certain however, Slammin’ Sam has brought his physicality to rugby union. So let’s all sit back, and enjoy watching this unique specimen punch holes, tackle hard, and put fear into the eyes of all teams before him. Welcome to union, Sam.
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