Rugby World Cup 2015: Sam Burgess has 'impressed on the field and adds something off it which others don't', says coach Andy Farrell

'People follow him, and in terms of what is about to happen, that’s pretty important'

Burgess is known to be a strong figure within the dressing room (Getty)

Very few divided squads have gone within screaming distance of winning a World Cup, leaving aside the spectacularly combustible French vintages of 1999 and 2011, so a sense of togetherness will be one of the non-negotiables for England next month. They are making a decent enough start, thanks to the solidarity among the rugby league contingent in the red rose party.

“I don’t think Sam will find it tough,” said the backs’ coach Andy Farrell of his fellow dual-code international, a certain Mr Burgess. “He’s been picked because he’s been there in the big games in league and has experience of dealing with the expectation. When you’re top of the tree in your sport, there’s a hell of a lot of pressure. He’s had that pressure on him constantly, throughout his career. His selection in this squad will allow him to be the union player he wants to be.”

Farrell, a fairly formidable sort when it comes to fighting his corner, did not budge an inch on the Burgess issue, despite his fellow northerner’s acute lack of game time as an inside-centre and the complete absence of a track record. Indeed, the coach looked faintly bemused that anyone should question the logic behind the decision to include the newcomer ahead of Luther Burrell, Billy Twelvetrees and Kyle Eastmond.

“Sam has forced our hand,” he argued. “He’s been impressive on the field and he brings something off it that others don’t, which helps make up the whole package. People follow him, and in terms of what is about to happen, that’s pretty important.

“As a league player coming into union, you find yourself under extra scrutiny. He can’t allow himself to miss a ruck, because if he does people will jump on top of him and say he can’t do it because of his lack of experience in the game. From our point of view, we’ve been very impressed with his all-round game. He’s nailed most things in the time we’ve had together.

“Players improve throughout their careers by adjusting the way they play, but we don’t think he’s a million miles away from mastering union right now. We wouldn’t have selected him otherwise, because there’s no easy way into a World Cup squad. What he brings – what he brought to the league code as well – is the ability to apply his skills in the Test arena. He’s confident of doing that in this environment. He doesn’t have his L-plates on any more, that’s for sure.”

It remains to be seen whether Burgess plays a part in the final warm-up match, against Ireland at Twickenham a week on Saturday. A starting place is unlikely as Brad Barritt, the South African-born Saracens centre, could use a run after missing last Saturday’s defeat in France through injury.

There again, Burgess has played precious few games in midfield since switching codes and has only one cap to his name. He needs as much time on the Test field, as opposed to the training one, as he can possibly get.