Share

Burgess named in Saxons team

London - Rugby league convert Sam Burgess will make his international debut on Friday after being named in the second-string England Saxons team to face the Irish Wolfhounds in Cork.

Burgess will partner Elliot Daly at centre and Saxons coach Jon Callard says he has been impressed by what he has seen from the 26-year-old Bath player so far.

"I've watched Sam from afar in how he's evolving in the game. He's an impressive character," Callard said on Thursday.

"We're all excited for Sam, but we're taking it very, very calmly. There's plenty of time for him to develop.

"There's huge expectation, obviously, but it's an opportunity to test the waters at this level, see where he is, then reassess and put another plan together."

Burgess only joined Bath from South Sydney Rabbitohs last October, but has been tipped to stake a claim for a place in England head coach Stuart Lancaster's squad for the World Cup.

With Burgess still coming to terms with the change of codes, Callard said that he and his staff would try to avoid leaving him exposed against a strong Wolfhounds team.

"The challenge for us is creating a game-plan to get the best of him, and all the others too," said Callard.

"Individually he might make some errors, and I think he will live with that and learn from that.

"If he does get exposed it will be about the system we've tried to put in place, either a defensive framework or attacking framework.

"I do not think it would be an individual exposure. It would be because the system wasn't correct."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE