WHILE MANY WERE expecting Sam Burgess to instantly star in rugby union as he had in league, the reality has been different. Burgess has shown glimpses of his immense talent but he is still struggling with some of the game’s fundamentals as he makes the adjustment.
Many anticpated that Burgess’ transition would be as smooth as Sonny Bill Williams’, who dazzled audiences with his exquisite offloads almost immediately. And while Burgess still has a long way to go, Williams expects that Slammin’ Sam will come good eventually.
“Whether he makes it at twelve or six, he’s going to make it,” Williams said to Fox Sports.
“It just depends on how long it’s going to take to teach him. All the subtleties of the two games are totally different. Myself, I think he’d be a perfect No. 6 but I think World cup calculations he’ll probably fit in better in the England World Cup squad at No. 12. But never back against someone as talented — just like Israel Folau. His first few games I’m sure he was getting bagged a little bit for the Waratahs, now look where he is.”
The point Williams makes about Folau is worth remembering because the Australian did initially struggle in union too. Williams would have no reason to say those things about Burgess if he didn’t believe them – if anything he would be more likely to disparage his chances after this incident.
