Louw: Burgess the real deal at flank

Springbok loose forward Francois Louw is backing his Bath teammate Sam Burgess to make his debut for England on the flank.

Rugby League convert Burgess has impressed since moving to the back row from the centres, and is widely tipped to be included in England's pre-World Cup training squad – which will be named on Wednesday.

"I don't think Sam will struggle at international level," said Louw.

"He will hold his own.

"Stuart Lancaster has his hands full with loose forwards, but it's not going to be too long before Sam makes his international debut on the flank.

"Maybe it will at this year's World Cup and I'll see him there."

Burgess, who moved to Bath from the South Sydney Rabbitohs in October, scored in Bath's 50-30 win over Gloucester on Saturday.

Describing Burgess's evolution in the 15-man code, Louw added: "When Sam started at No.12 he was good and still trying to find his feet in Rugby Union, then it was a big move to back row.

"There's a big difference to playing in the centres and I think he's grasped that with both hands.

"He's such a hungry player in the sense of learning and trying to better himself and adapt. He's really grasped the blindside jersey with both hands and made it his own. He's been solid for us, especially with his carries in the midfield.

"Sam and I spend a lot of time together discussing tactics and how to influence games.

"He brings a lot to the squad, including leadership.

"Sam being Sam, he's a guy who's open to help. He's happy to take advice from anyone around the squad."

By Tom Bradshaw, a freelance sports journalist based in Gloucestershire, England