IT WAS ALWAYS going to be tough for Sam Burgess to deliver on the massive hype that surrounded his entrance to rugby union, and the man himself has spoken about the tough transition.
Burgess has impressed in cameos for Bath so far, but he is still learning aspects of his new code – namely the tackling technique, which is different to the swinging arm he used to pulverise people in league.
“I knew it was going to be tough but I didn’t know it was going to be as tough as this,” Burgess told Fox Sports News in Australia.
Burgess has played at 12 and 13 for the Bath first team but he has been trialed at blindside flanker for the A side.
Burgess has found it easier to learn the game from inside centre, but has enjoyed his experience in the scrum.
The lineout, however, has been a different story.
“I think 12 suits learning the game quicker, whereas at 6 you need to have more of a knowledge of the game,” Burgess added.
“If there was a position in between the two, I would like that one. Twelve comes more naturally to me because I don’t have as many decisions to make. I have enjoyed some parts of scrumming, not so much the line-outs. Being blatantly honest, because I don’t understand them.
“I’ve enjoyed the scrummaging just because there is a bit of contact and good camaraderie amongst the pack and I quite like that. There is a bit of a build up for each scrum, a bit of backside slapping.”
Where do you think Burgess will ultimately play?
