BURGESS SHOULD KEEP THE LEAGUE DOOR OPEN

SMH.COM.AU

– FEBRUARY 27, 2015NEWS, SAM BURGESS, SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Sam Burgess

Sam Burgess' hopes of making the Rugby World Cup could be extinct after 80 minutes of Six Nations rugby in Dublin this weekend.

England travel to Ireland for the tournament's pivotal fixture and if England win - and particularly if their midfield performs - you can close the door on Burgess' RWC chances. Already he is, by my reckoning, seventh choice among the midfield candidates for an England RWC squad that may carry only three.

Those of the league persuasion will be aghast at the implication. One of their heroes - a titan in Souths' premiership win - being forced to wait in line behind rugby players, and English ones at that.

But Burgess' tale says more than that. It is barely a reflection on his qualities at all. It is about the huge differences between a league forward and rugby back, and how Burgess - a hard man, confrontational and unrelenting - is best suited to the former. The games are too different, his roles too far apart. And at his age - in his prime - Burgess should be playing the one he excels in.

"Rather Samrani! Does seem odd given the speculation of swapping him for old Barnett. Penisini can be really great at times and then really off at other times. Samrani has been very impressive and seems very strong and determined which is what Parra…"

"I really like Samrani but if JR decides to give him up for MB I think that is a massive mistake.
IMO Samrani should be 1st drop for either centre/ wing if one of our starters is out. Brian Kelly is bog average and not going to get better.
Samrani…"

Replies

shane February 27, 2015 at 6:07pm

Would be an awesome pack if we had Burgess, Watmough, M'au, Edwards and Moeroa in the back row ( second row, lock and bench). I would love to have him in my side.
Monster Eel #38 February 27, 2015 at 6:12pm

We would have to kidnap Russell Crowe and force him to say that we can have SB
Jimmy February 27, 2015 at 6:17pm

Would love to have Burgess of course but it won't happen. I'm pretty sure he would have taken a long term view of his defection in that if he didn't make the Poms 2015 WC squad he will keep trying ala $BW who plyed his trade in France before he was selected in the AB's.

Sam played for England B's against Ireland B's a couple of weeks ago and didn't do great at inside centre. It was a big step up for him in learning his new code.

Given time big Sam will be a sensation in rugby.
Trini Lopez calling Go Go Gomez February 27, 2015 at 6:27pm

As if Burgess isn’t going to be included in the World Cup squad!
- Jimmy > Trini Lopez calling Go Go Gomez February 27, 2015 at 9:05pm
  
  Er...well he isn't part of the current 6 nations squad. Perhaps you know something we don't?
  
  I'm assuming you're following his progression like I am.
Craig Marshall February 27, 2015 at 6:43pm

Dont even need to read the story or everyones comments

YES YES YES was best forward in the game rated him better then SBW
- shane > Craig Marshall February 27, 2015 at 8:46pm
  
  Totally agree
Waterboy February 27, 2015 at 6:50pm

He would be amazing in Blue and Gold, never happen thou, Rusty has him suckling on his nipple.
- shane > Waterboy February 27, 2015 at 8:47pm
  
  would really make our pack unbeatable.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER February 27, 2015 at 6:58pm

I would have him in a heart beat

of 2

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs

would you like him in your side.

BURGESS SHOULD KEEP THE LEAGUE DOOR OPEN

Replies

More stuff to read

Eels blogs

Will Penasini out - Jordan Samrani in

1eE Modern day Eels team: Bench back-rower

Can Pezet leave already

Eels offering Jordan samrani

Note: this page contains paid content.

Social Blogs

Irony is Even Deader

Shark Attack..... Moses told to be wary of the surf!

Poppa's Dilemma, Welcome to my Corner, come in and have a Cuppa with a Silly Old Bastard. I think it's New Year Shortly?

Keaon done deal

Note: this page contains paid content.