Burgess Cup critics strike while Crowe keeps faith

SAM Burgess has some highprofile detractors suggesting he should not be anywhere near a rugby union World Cup.

The likes of Jonah Lomu and Will Carling have questioned whether the former league star is ready to play a leading role on the 15-man game’s biggest stage, barely 10 months after changing codes.

But Burgess has a notable supporter in Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, the owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs for whom, in his last act as a league player, he produced a man-of-the-match winning display, complete with a broken cheekbone, as they won the NRL grand final.

Burgess, a controversial pick in England coach Stuart Lancaster’s final World Cup squad, will aim to make a major impact off the bench when England play their final warm-up match against Ireland at Twickenham.

And the Bath player said Crowe was likely to pay a visit to Twickenham Stadium during the World Cup if he manages to get time off.

“I’ve spoken to Russell quite a bit,” said Burgess, picked at centre by England despite being a back-row forward for much of his time at Bath.

“He just cares for me, which is wonderful, and it’s great to have him in my life.

“I think he’s working on a movie during our pool game against Australia but if he’s in town he might come across.”

As for the critics, he said: “I know some people have said this or that about me. Mainly people who used to play union or coach the game. They are entitled to their opinions and I don’t take it personally.

“All I can do is go out there, do my best and try and be the best I can. That was my approach in league and it is in the 15-man game. I have always had huge belief in my ability.

“I’ve spoken to Will Carling. He got in touch after he made his comments. Will’s just passionate about England.

“I think you shouldn’t take comments personally. I understand it’s part of the process.”

England have made five changes to the side which lost 25-20 against France in Paris in their previous warm-up match. Centre Brad Barritt and wing Anthony Watson return, while in the pack, Geoff Parling, Tom Wood and Ben Morgan get chances.