Stuart Lancaster: Sam Burgess deserves place in England World Cup squad
Friday 28 August 2015 06:07, UK
Sam Burgess has been selected in England's World Cup squad "on merit" according to head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Burgess' inclusion was confirmed by Lancaster on Thursday, the rugby league convert selected at the expense of Luther Burrell.
Despite finishing last season in the Bath back-row, Burgess lined out at inside centre for his England debut against France on August 15.
The 26-year-old was also in midfield between Owen Farrell and Henry Slade in training on Wednesday, up against Danny Cipriani, Brad Barritt and Burrell.
Burgess only switched to the 15-man game 10 months ago but Lancaster insists he is deserving of his place.
"I wouldn't describe it as a gamble," said Lancaster. "I understand the size of this decision, but I understand the size of every decision when you're in a World Cup year. Every one is a big one.
"He's done great. He's earned the right. He's picked on merit from what we've seen in the camp."
He's done great. He's earned the right. He's picked on merit from what we've seen in the camp.
Cipriani, Burrell, Nick Easter and Alex Corbisiero were the big omissions from England's 31-man squad.
Lancaster informed all the players of his decision over the last three days and described the selection process as a "rollercoaster".
"We've always had this date in our mind; I've personally had this date in my mind for two years," said Lancaster.
"We've used the last three days to speak to the players. It's been a real rollercoaster. Whether it's Sam or Henry Slade or George Kruis.
"Sam's expression and the relief on his face that he's got this opportunity.
"Then you've got the complete opposite, when you're speaking to someone like a Nick Easter who has pushed Ben Morgan so hard.
"These guys who haven't made it are retained in the wider squad. I only spoke to them this morning.
"They're very much in our thoughts and history will tell us one or two will get an opportunity."
'Burgess forced our hand'
England backs coach Andy Farrell, who himself converted from rugby league to play in the 2007 World Cup with England, said of Burgess: "To force our hand to put him into the squad, he should be unbelievably proud of himself."
Lancaster was adamant all the players had the chance to put their hands up for selection, including Cipriani.
Sale playmaker Cipriani was bidding to play fly-half and full-back, but Farrell and Ford were selected at No 10 and Alex Goode and Mike Brown at No 15.
"I can reassure everyone that 100 per cent in training everybody has had an opportunity to put themselves forward," added Lancaster.
"With only two warm-up games, it's difficult.
"It's tough on Danny. He is a good player. We think he's improved an awful lot."
Hartley speculation
There has been speculation Dylan Hartley could be brought into the squad if England have a hooker withdraw, even though the Northampton forward is banned for the early part of the tournament.
Lancaster would not entertain the hypothetical question.
"The reality of the situation is we weren't responsible for Dylan getting cited or getting banned but the reality is he is banned," he said.
"We've got to put our time and energy and belief into the three hookers in the squad.
"I'm not going to spend my time thinking 'could Dylan be here'. The reality is he can't."
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