Cheika could regret coffee break with Sam

IF SAM BURGESS comes off the bench and plays a key role in an England victory this Saturday, Australia coach Michael Cheika will have cause to regret his words of wisdom before the former rugby league star switched codes. In 2010, Burgess had been introduced to Cheika’s brother Paul, who is involved in real estate and the restaurant trade. It was through this link that he met Michael and when Burgess was preparing for his switch, they would meet from time to time for a coffee in Sydney to chat about what awaited him in rugby union. Cheika, who was in charge of the Waratahs at the time, offered guidance despite being a keen fan of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who the Yorkshireman would inspire to the NRL title before migrating to Bath. But there will be no interaction between them this week before England’s decisive showdown with the Wallabies at Twickenham. ‘I know Michael Cheika, I know him pretty well — he will be getting their guys fired up,’ said Burgess. ‘I’m good friends with his brother Paul and I know him from Sydney. ‘We just caught up over a coffee. He’s a friend but it’s business this week. There have not been coffees for over a year!’ Cheika has previously revealed his minor role in Burgess’s decision to cross to union, saying: ‘We had several chats. I talked to him about rugby and all that. ‘I was torn because obviously I am a Souths supporter too but I talked to him about rugby. ‘We will have to fire the lads up and get stuck into him because he is pretty unbreakable.’ Speaking yesterday, the Wallabies’ coach added: ‘Last time I saw him was when we were on tour here last year. I was fortunate enough to get to know him. He’s an A1 fella and I’m sure he’s enjoying his time. He’s 100 per cent committed. ‘He’s done extremely well to be in the position he’s in in such a short space of time. ‘When we are up against him we are going to have to be at our best to give him a few things to think about, because I’m sure he’ll be giving us some things to think about. ‘He is a class footballer — a quality player and athlete. He’s aggressive too, which he showed with the way he played in the rugby league Grand Final last year. You would have him involved just for his mental approach and the way he takes the game on.’ Burgess, asked what the Australians should expect from England, said: ‘Heart. I guess if there’s a time to put your body and heart on the line it’s this weekend. ‘A winning attitude is what we need on Saturday for 80 minutes.’