Sam Burgess keen to play his part for England against Ireland
Friday 4 September 2015 11:50, UK
Sam Burgess is hoping to make his mark in England's final World Cup warm-up game against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Bath star has been named among the replacements by England coach Stuart Lancaster and will provide cover for centres Brad Barritt, who has recovered from a calf problem to make his first international appearance since last autumn's victory over Australia, and Jonathan Joseph.
Burgess' selection in Lancaster's 31-man World Cup squad has been questioned by a number of pundits following his switch from rugby league just 10 months ago and he is keen to prove the doubters wrong.
However, the 26-year-old insists this will not be at the expense of the team and that he is just hoping to play his part in an England victory.
I'm not going to go off and try and be an individual. I'll fit into the structures and plays that we have got there.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "Everyone wants to put their front-foot forward. However, once I get out there I am just going to do my thing for the team – what I need to do at the time.
"I'm not going to go off and try and be an individual. I'll fit into the structures and plays that we have got there.
"Brad's been fantastic for me around the camp. He's certainly a very experienced player. I've learnt a lot from him and I am looking forward to seeing him back in an England jersey as well. So hopefully I can get out there and pick up from where he left off and bring something to the team when I get on the field."
When asked about answering his critics, Burgess, who is set to win his second cap, replied: "The boys have got an opinion and they are entitled to that. For me I don't have to prove anything really to them.
"Over time hopefully I can show them something that might change their opinion, but other than that it's more important for me to impress my team-mates and do a good job for them on the field and off it, as well as around training.
"I have worked really hard. I have worked at every aspect of my game that I needed to. This camp has been unbelievable. We have got a great group of players and the staff are the best in the game.
"It's been a wonderful experience and I certainly feel ready to play. I'm comfortable within the game and I feel like a rugby union player. It's an exciting time to be part of England rugby."
Burgess is, though, expecting a hard contest against Ireland as England complete their preparations for the World Cup ahead of their opening game against Fiji on September 18.
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He said: "This week's training has been unbelievable we have prepared so good, probably the best since we have been in camp.
"We are preparing to win a Test match, as Ireland are as well. Make no mistake it is going to be a tough game and a great test for us, but certainly I think we are ready for Saturday."
Watch England v Ireland live on Sky Sports 1 from 2pm on Saturday.
