Sam Burgess played just 28 minutes in his second outing for Bath, a 30-5 Champions Cup pool stage win over Montpellier. He came off the bench and got stuck in as only he can, throwing his considerable weight around, but almost landing in hot water.
Bath led 23-0 at the break so by the time he came on, the victory was all but secured as Montpellier struggled after having two players sent to the sin bin in the first half. Bath scored three tries in total, one to prop Henry Thomas, a penalty try and then a second half score for Leroy Houston.
Burgess’ was eased into the game in a comfortable situation again, although that can’t be said for the weather, which was miserable. He did well to impose himself, but was lucky that the referee chose not to taker a more stringent view of the tackle on Charles Geli that got the crowd fired up.
“That’s the way he is. We’re not going to change hi,” said Bath coach Mike Ford of the tackle.
“He’s going to be our enforcer a little bit with the way he defends. We’re pleased with where he is.
When asked if he was thinking about giving Burgess his first start next weekend, Ford said: “Yes, I am. But we will watch the game, review it and decide early next week.
“It’s disappointing that both games he has come on it has been raining, so we’ve not had much chance to use him, but he has done well so far,” the Bath coach, and father of George, added.
Bath lost their opening two European Rugby Champions Cup matches, so this win takes them to five points in total, three behind Toulouse and four away from Glasgow Warriors.
Those two meet this afternoon, so the chances of Bath making the knockout stages are slim. Whatever happens, all eyes will be on Slammin Sam Burgess as his rugby union journey continues.
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