Sam Burgess had 'vision' of World Cup start for England

TRUE FAITH: Sam Burgess says he has played a lot of rugby at centre in the last few months and is ready 

LONDON, 24 Sept - In rugby league Sam Burgess had a reputation for knocking players back with his big hits, and surprising defences with his unusual offloads.

The 26-year-old centre proved on Thursday that, even off the field, he has the ability to come at people from an unusual angle and surprise them.

By any sporting standard, Burgess's 10-month journey from a successful rugby league career with Bradford Bulls and the South Sydney Rabbitohs to winning only his fourth cap in England's Pool A clash with Wales at Rugby World Cup 2015 on Saturday is a remarkable tale.

So at the England training camp, he was asked the standard question: "Had he thought when he began playing union 10 months ago that he would be playing for England in such an important game?"

The response from most sports figures would have been: "No, it's a dream come true..." But Burgess startled everyone with his answer.

"Yes. I did have a vision of doing it," he said. "This is what I wanted to achieve, to be part of this squad. I believe in myself. I feel like I have the respect of my teammates and the staff. That is the opinion that counts for me. I have played a lot of rugby at 12 in the last few months and I feel ready."

On-field maturity

This same self-belief helped Burgess win his first cap for Great Britain in rugby league at the age of 18 where he showed an on-field maturity way beyond his years. He went on to be regarded as one of the code's greatest forwards.

Burgess will need that same confidence against Wales at Twickenham in the most competitive pool in the competition. Wales, semi-finalists at RWC 2011, have selected the experienced British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts to face him.

"Jamie (Roberts) is a great player. I am looking forward to the battle," Burgess said. "It is a big game. I am really excited to be a part of it, but it is just another game. I don't want to let the occasion take over. This is an exciting time to be part of England rugby, especially starting against Wales. I am really looking forward to the atmosphere."

Taking a gamble

Some critics have suggested that the World Cup has come too soon for Burgess and that coach Stuart Lancaster is taking a gamble by selecting him.

But Burgess, who will play alongside South African-born Brad Barritt in the centre for the first time in a starting XV, said England had been working on an array of different midfield partnerships in training and were not worried about the critics outside.

"I feel very comfortable. Inside (the camp), we have rolled around many different combinations. We are comfortable and will be ready," he said. "I believe in Stuart and what he has picked. My job is to deliver in the job he has given me."

Interestingly, Burgess has also stopped thinking about himself as a convert from rugby league.

Asked what was the biggest challenge of switching codes, he said: "I have stopped thinking about that because I am a rugby (union) player. I focus on what is my job in this team now. I get on with the job that I have here."

RNS aw/js/co/sw