Lancaster closes in on World Cup squad
England coach Stuart Lancaster has 80% of his Rugby World Cup squad inked in but has left the door open for Sam Burgess.
England have 12 games between now and the World Cup and take on
Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in November. While he has cast
his eye over the majority of his potential squad, Lancaster is yet to
see rugby league convert Sam Burgess take on union.
Burgess excelled for the Rabbitohs in their NRL Grand Final win but
fractured his cheekbone in the process, an injury that sees him ruled
out until December. For Lancaster, he has been hugely impressed by
Burgess and says the injury is a blessing in disguise.
"It is probably a good thing for Sam as it gives him a bit of a break,"
Lancaster told Sky Sports. "He's an incredible rugby player and a great
leader. He wants to make the World Cup squad and will have to learn
quickly.
"He's a leader and mentally tough. He's a very good player but an
impressive person. He's played against huge stars in rugby league. "
Burgess will have to impress in a short amount of time if he is to force
his way into the World Cup reckoning as Lancaster is close to
finalising his squad for the tournament.
"It's a really exciting time for English rugby, we have such a good
young, talented team coming through," Lancaster said. "I am 80% there
but the camp will be competitive and so it should be as it is the World
Cup - is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The pain of losing certainly
drives us. It's quite a good thing to have it sit inside us."
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