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Burgess gets nod for England’s Rugby World Cup squad

LONDON — Sam Burgess was selected in England’s 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup yesterday after playing just one international match since his cross-code switch from rugby league 10 months ago.

LONDON — Sam Burgess was selected in England’s 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup yesterday after playing just one international match since his cross-code switch from rugby league 10 months ago.

Burgess was preferred to Luther Burrell, an England regular during the last two seasons, as one of four centres in a squad announced by coach Stuart Lancaster.

Burgess’ leadership skills and winning mentality have persuaded Lancaster to take a gamble on a player who has had more game time as a blindside flanker with Bath in the English league.

His only appearance for England was in a World Cup warm-up match against a second-string France side on Aug 15.

There was no place for utility back Danny Cipriani, and Ben Morgan beat Nick Easter to the back-up No 8 spot after returning from a broken leg. Injury-ravaged prop Alex Corbisiero missed out, two years after being one of the stars for the British and Irish Lions during their series win in Australia, as rival Kieran Brookes is able to cover both sides of the scrum.

It is the selection of Burgess that is the talking point in England, though.

Former England internationals Will Carling, Matt Dawson and Mike Tindall are among those who have questioned the awareness and game-management skills of Burgess, who was one of the world’s best players in rugby league when he made his move to the 15-man code last year after winning the NRL grand final with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Australia.

Lancaster has been keen to use Burgess’ physicality and ball-carrying ability in midfield, which has been a problem area for England for the past decade.

Burgess — England’s answer to New Zealand code-switching centre Sonny Bill Williams — could be a dangerous weapon off the bench, with England set to start with Brad Barritt as the hard-hitting centre alongside Jonathan Joseph in its first-choice midfield pairing.

Henry Slade, a playmaker, will offer a fourth option at centre, and provides back-up at both No 10 and fullback.

Lancaster has selected 17 forwards and 14 backs.

“It’s really positive that we have such depth and options to choose from,” said Lancaster. “Selection wasn’t easy, and it is tough to leave anyone out, but it’s important to stress the players not in this group are still part of our wider squad and could come in at any point.”

England, the World Cup host, is in the toughest pool alongside Wales, Australia, Fiji and Uruguay. England plays Fiji in the opening match of the tournament on Sep 18. AP

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