Sam Burgess had a solid run out against Wasps this past weekend, scoring his first ever league try as well as making these two big tackles. He’s fast becoming a fan favourite and with play like this, you can understand why. Bath won the game 39-26.
Burgess was named Man of the Match after his best Bath outing yet, but that may have been a bit misleading. He did show flashes of power and brilliance but there were moments that show he is still aferall, new to the fifteen mad code.
The double smashing of Ben Jacobs was impressive and he carried the ball well. He also scored his first senior try, which he was pleased to have achieved.
“It was good. I am kind of glad to get the monkey off the back,” Burgess said post match.
“I was happy to get over for the try. George (Ford) found me with a great pass, and I managed to slide over. I am improving week to week, and enjoying a bit more time on the field. Overall, I am happy with the way things are going, and there are things to work on, as always.
“I am used to the pressure. I came from quite a high pressure environment in Australia, and I am learning the game week by week, but pressure is fine. I kind of knew that would be the case.”
Bath head coach Mike Ford acknowledged that Burgess still has a lot to learn.
“Sam played his best game but he is still a long way from where Sam Burgess needs to be.
“He is definitely on the right track. He didn’t do everything right. Straight away afterwards he came up to me and he said how he needs to get better defensively.”
Still very fresh in the game of Union, Burgess is clearly a work in progress but he’s getting a decent run at inside centre and with enough game time, you can be sure that the impact he makes each match will continue to become more and more significant.
You can view the try he scored, as well as the match highlights, on page two
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