Rugby World Cup
Burgess gamble as replacement for Manu Tuilagi: Cueto
PA Sport
July 27, 2015
Sam Burgess looks on during England training
Sam Burgess looks on during England training© David Rogers/Getty Images

Cross-code convert Sam Burgess is being pushed into a midfield role by England to cover for the absence of powerhouse Manu Tuilagi, according to former wing Mark Cueto.

With final World Cup selection just over a month away, debate is still raging over the 26-year-old's best position for the national team.

Coach Stuart Lancaster insists he will only select the former rugby league star at centre despite his best displays for club Bath coming from blindside flanker.

Sam Burgess inspirational on and off the field
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Cueto believes England are trying to compensate for the loss of the explosive Tuilagi, whose conviction back in May on three charges of assault cost him his place at the tournament.

"You have to argue his best form for Bath has been in the back row but Stuart Lancaster has been forthright in saying he is looking at him as a centre - but maybe his form for Bath at centre hasn't been good enough to warrant an international place," the recently-retired Sale Sharks stalwart Cueto told Press Association Sport.

"Manu Tuilagi was a real line-breaker and physical presence in that back line and maybe if Sam isn't the man we don't really have anyone else of that physical ability.

"We have a lot of playmakers, whether it is a Jonathan Joseph or someone like that, but they are looking for a real, big, physical presence in that midfield and Sam would fit that down to a tee.

"That is probably the reason they are pushing him there, as well as his ability with handling and passing.

"It is a tough decision. The guy has only been in rugby union six months and it is a massive ask.

"You could argue this World Cup has probably come six months too early for him.

"There are no doubts about his credentials as a rugby player but it is just with those fine adjustments from league to union he could probably do with another six months' game time under his belt.

"If he can get up to speed quick enough he would be a fantastic player for that team and I am sure that is why Stuart and the guys are looking to push him too much.

"Whether it is too much we will see."

Lancaster's other major selection decision comes at fly-half, where Owen Farrell's serious knee injury ruled him out of the Six Nations and allowed George Ford to stake a claim for a World Cup starting spot.

Cueto, speaking at a rugby World Cup trophy tour event in Manchester, admits the pair are difficult to separate.

"Fly-half is a real headache because they are very different in the way they play," he added.

"Owen is very defence-orientated; he is aggressive, strong in tackles and if there is a penalty in the dying seconds he is your man to take it.

"George is more of an attacking fly-half who looks to get the backline into the game a little bit more.

"In terms of tournament rugby, Owen is your man from a consistency point of view and knocking the three points over.

"If I am going purely on a results point of view I am going with Owen but at the moment, purely of the back of Six Nations, if is probably 51-49 to George at the minute."

Cueto also believes former Sale team-mate Danny Cipriani is worth a gamble in the squad.

The 27-year-old is awaiting the outcome of a police investigation after his arrest earlier this summer on suspicion of drink-driving which may affect his inclusion, but if it came down to purely rugby issues, Cueto would pick him for the impact he could have.

"I think he has really matured and he can add something to that England team and add an X-factor," said the 2007 World Cup finalist.

"He is the sort of guy you want to come on and create something out of nothing.

"Couple that with the fact he has shown his basics are up to where they need to be for international rugby and I think he has to be in that squad."

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