Rugby World Cup 2015 too soon for Sam Burgess, says former England star ...

“There’s a lot of interest and excitement around Sam’s arrival, on how he’ll

fit into the Bath squad and what will happen with England,” Moody said.

“Will they put him straight into the squad? With the way Stuart’s been I find

it hard to imagine that they would include him straight away.

“Going back to 2003 Josh Lewsey hadn’t played many games for England going

into the Six Nations.

“So there’s always a chance for him, but I think the World Cup will be far too

soon.

“But that won’t be down to coaches or other players, it will be down to Sam

and how quickly he fits into the game.

“I’m sure he’ll have been doing his homework on rucking and mauling, offside

lines and dark arts, because it’s a very different game.”

Burgess has proved an Australian sensation in four years at NRL outfit South

Sydney, but will have just nine months to handle his code switch in time to

make England’s World Cup squad.

England launch their World Cup bid on home soil on Sept 18 next year, but head

coach Lancaster will have his extended training squad in place by July.

Moody expects Burgess to thrive in union in the long-term, but believes his

line-breaking talents will be best employed from the centres, not the

back-row.

“Back-row is such a technical position and there’s such a lot to learn, it’s

not just broken-field play, you’ve got the breakdown, scrum and line-out,”

he said.

“I think back-row might be slightly too complicated, and will take some time

to learn.

“Andy Farrell was moved between six and 12 when he came over from league and

it didn’t really fit.

“So if they just stick him at 12 and give him the opportunity to play and

stick with that, then it will be far better for him than trying to move him

into the forwards.

“I think Kyle Eastmond has done pretty well at the breakdown in his transition

with Bath and England.

“He’s squat and powerful, so he has the ability to make the tackle, get back

to his feet and get over the ball, so he’s been useful there.

“The technical side of the game is tough, but I’d imagine they’ll keep it

pretty simple for Sam at Bath straight away.”

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Article source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rugby-rugby-league-sonny-bill-snubs-new-zealand-004612749--spt.html

Rugby World Cup 2015 too soon for Sam Burgess, says former England star ...