SBW: Patience key for Burgess
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Sonny Bill Williams says that fellow Rugby League convert Sam Burgess needs time to adapt to the new code.
Burgess recently signed for Bath and made his first appearance for the England Saxons on Saturday, although he was not entirely convincing.
Williams compared Burgess' progress to that of himself and Israel Folau when they first switched to Rugby Union, and warned that he will need some time to adjust to the different demands of the 15-man game.
"They've got to be patient, he (Burgess) is a world-class athlete," he told TVNZ.
Williams is confident that Burgess will make a successful conversion, whether he plays in the backline or the forward pack.
"Whether he makes it at 12 (inside centre) or six (blindside flanker), he's going to make it.
"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.
"He's got a hard work ethic, he'll be learning after a performance like that if he didn't play too well.
"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, now look where he is," Williams added.
WILLiams is expected to return to the rugby field on Friday when the Chiefs take on the Waratahs in a pre-season friendly, and he made no secret of his urgent need for game-time.
"It's full focus on rugby now, "I'm really keen, I need as much rugby as I can get," he said.
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