Rugby World Cup
England urged to pick Henry Slade over Sam Burgess
ESPN Staff
July 30, 2015
Henry Slade
Henry Slade© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Exeter coach Rob Baxter has urged his England counterpart Stuart Lancaster to pick Chiefs playmaker Henry Slade over Sam Burgess.

Burgess is expected to be included in Lancaster's 31-man World Cup squad despite having only switched codes from rugby league late last year.

The England coach is a fan of the Bath man's physicality, but Baxter believes it would be a mistake to overlook his player's considerable talents.

"What England need in their backline you're seeing from Henry on a regular basis," Baxter told BBC Sport.

"We haven't really seen that much from Sam Burgess in the game environment as a midfield player yet."

Although Burgess' best performances at club level have come in the back row, Lancaster insists he will only be considered at centre for England, pitching him into direct battle with Slade for one of the four midfield berths.

"If you talk about midfield, for me it has to be Henry Slade," Baxter added.

"He's got great qualities in the way he can pass, the way he can kick, the way he can distribute and he's very strong defensively.

"In really tough, really tight international games, one of the most crucial things you need to have in your armoury is players that can make very good pass, kick and run decisions."

© ESPN Staff

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices