IRB Rugby World Cup
Sam Burgess brings an 'X-factor' to England, says Australia's Matt Giteau
ESPN Staff
August 29, 2015

Australia back Matt Giteau says England's Sam Burgess has an "X-factor" that he hopes won't be on show when the two teams clash in the Rugby World Cup.

Rugby league convert Burgess, who played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL, was named in the final 31 when England's squad was announced on Thursday.

He has spent time in both the back row and centres but has been selected by England coach Stuart Lancaster to fill either the No.12 or No.13 jersey. That could mean a potential midfield showdown with inside centre or five-eighth Giteau in a World Cup pool match in early October.

"I think he adds a point of difference for them," Giteau said. "Hopefully that X-factor won't be shown against us."

Two years ago, neither Burgess or 32-year-old Giteau looked likely to play in the tournament starting next month. Souths' forward leader Burgess was firmly ensconced in the Rabbitohs' burrow, while Giteau was effectively ineligible to represent Australia as he was playing for French club Toulon. The Australian Rugby Union earlier this year relaxed the eligibility rules for overseas-based players which ultimately led to Giteau and Toulon clubmate and winger Drew Mitchell making the Wallabies' World Cup squad.

And Giteau's time in France means he is well aware of the threat posed by northern hemisphere heavyweights when the tournament gets underway on September 18.

"They have got strong squads, you've only got to look at the players that have been excluded from their groups to know they are going to be more than competitive," Giteau said.

"They are going to be extremely tough. And to play at home, that's a huge advantage for them, England in particular."

Giteau's 95th and most recent cap was off the bench against New Zealand and he could reach the century mark during the Word Cup if Australia advances to the knockout rounds. He knows there's no guarantee he will secure a spot in Australia's strongest matchday 23 let alone the run-on side.

"I think not just a starting spot but even on the bench there's quality and competition for all spots," Giteau said. "The best you can do is just train. Selection is out of your hands, you've just got to train as hard as you can and prepare the best way you can."

© ESPN Staff

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