Burgess is no gamble for England
This is the view of coach Stuart Lancaster insisted on Thursday after including the centre just 10 months since the dynamic ball-carrier changed codes from Rugby League.
Burgess, the man-of-the-match in South Sydney Rabbitohs' win in the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final, was included in tournament hosts England's squad having played just 70 minutes of Test rugby union – his debut in a 19-14 win over France at Twickenham a fortnight ago seeing him sin-binned for 10 minutes.
The 26-year-old edged out the more experienced Luther Burrell for a place among Lancaster's centres even though Burgess spent much of last season playing as a back-row forward for Bath.
With so little evidence of his Test ability, many will view Burgess's inclusion as a risk.
But Lancaster said: "I wouldn't describe it as a gamble. 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 [Burgess] has done great. He's earned the right. He's picked on merit from what we've seen in the camp."
Meanwhile, England backs coach Andy Farrell, who himself changed codes from Rugby League to play in the 2007 World Cup with England, beaten in the final of that edition by South Africa in Paris, said Burgess "should be unbelievably proud of himself" in forcing the Red Rose management to pick him for the World Cup.
But prior to Lancaster's announcement, former England captain and centre Will Carling cast doubt on the wisdom of including Burgess.
"I'm in awe of Sam as a Rugby League player, but there is no one that I have spoken to who I respect – ex-players, coaches – who thinks he's ready," he said.
"If you watched Burgess carefully he was out of position a huge amount in defence and England can't afford that against sides who will focus on him."
Henry Slade, who also impressed on his debut against France at Twickenham, was also included in midfield alongside Burgess – although Jonathan Joseph and Brad Barritt appear to be England's first-choice centres.
Ben Morgan, who has only played 40 minutes' rugby, against France, since breaking his leg in January, was included among the back-row forwards with Harlequins veteran Nick Easter missing out, while Sale fly-half Danny Cipriani also failed to make the final squad.
"We've used the last three days to speak to the players. It's been a real roller-coaster," said Lancaster.
"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… They're very much in our thoughts and history will tell us one or two will get an opportunity."
England, again set to be captained by flank Chris Robshaw, begin the World Cup against Fiji at Twickenham on September 18, having been drawn in a tough group also featuring Australia and Wales.
As a result, one of rugby union's major nations will fail to make the last eight as only the top two teams from each pool qualify for the quarter-finals.
England, beaten 25-20 by France in Paris last weekend, conclude their warm-up campaign against Ireland at Twickenham on September 5.
England coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Selection wasn’t easy and it is tough to leave anyone out, but it’s important to stress that the players not in this group are still part of our wider squad and could come in at any point.
"After 10 weeks in camp we have made our final selection of players and we believe we have a great group to take us into the tournament.
"With three weeks to go before we play Fiji we believe we are in good shape as we head into next Saturday’s game against Ireland.
"As the excitement builds around the tournament we are looking forward to the country getting behind England and we know this group of players will represent the nation with pride."
England squad:
Forwards: Kieran Brookes, Dan Cole, Joe Marler, Mako Vunipola, David Wilson, Jamie George, Rob Webber, Tom Youngs, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Geoff Parling, James Haskell, Ben Morgan, Chris Robshaw, Billy Vunipola, Tom Wood.
Backs: Danny Care, Richard Wigglesworth, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Brad Barritt, Sam Burgess, Jonathan Joseph, Henry Slade, Mike Brown, Alex Goode, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson.
