Burgess eager to prove his England critics wrong

Sam Burgess has some high-profile detractors suggesting he should not be any where near a rugby union World Cup.

The likes of Jonah Lomu and Will Carling have questioned whether the former rugby league league star is ready to play a leading role the 15-man game's biggest showpiece barely 10 months after changing codes.

But Burgess has a notable supporter in Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, the owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs for whom, in his last act as a rugby league player, he produced a man-of-the-match winning display, complete with a broken cheekbone, as they won Australia's NRL Grand Final.

Burgess, a controversial pick in England coach Stuart Lancaster's final World Cup squad, will aim to make a major impact off the bench when England play their final warm-up match against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

And the Bath player said Crowe was likely to pay a visit to Twickenham Stadium during the World Cup if he manages to get time off from his day job.

"I've spoken to Russell quite a bit," Burgess, picked at centre by England despite being deployed as back-row forward for much of his time at Bath, said.

"He just cares for me, which is wonderful, and it's great to have him in my life.

"I think he's working on a movie during our pool game against Australia, but if he's in town he might come across."

As for the critics, Burgess added: "I know some people have said this or that about me. Mainly people who used to play union or coach the game. They are entitled to their opinions and I don't take it personally.

"All I can do is go out there, do my best and try and be the best I can. That was my approach in League and it is in the 15-man game. I have always had huge belief in my ability.

- Carling chat -

I've spoken to Will Carling. He got in touch after he made his comments. Will's just passionate about England. He has his opinions and is entitled to them.

"I just think you should never take comments personally. It doesn't affect me as a player, I believe in myself and the people around me.

"I understand it's all part of the process. I knew this kind of thing would come around. I was already well prepared for it.

"As a player I feel ready. I feel like a rugby union player.

"People will always compare my past to what's going on now, whereas I'd rather not do that.

England have made five changes to the side which lost 25-20 against France in Paris in their previous warm-up match.

Centre Brad Barritt and wing Anthony Watson return, while in the pack lock Geoff Parling and back-rowers Tom Wood and Ben Morgan get chances.

Lancaster will certainly be demanding more from his forwards following their rough ride against France's strong men a fortnight ago.

Six Nations champions Ireland are also on a mission to bounce back from last weekend' 16-10 surprise home loss to Wales.

Having won 35-21 in Cardiff prior to that match, it was a setback for Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and his players.

However, Schmidt has rolled out the some heavy artillery, with the visitors seeking a statement result ahead of their World Cup opener against Canada in Cardiff on September 19.

The New Zealand-born coach insisted: "We are going to Twickenham to win.

"It is an important game because it is the last one before the World Cup starts and it's always better to go into a huge tournament on the back of a victory rather than a defeat."