Sam Burgess's versatility to cover centre and back-row is the "added string to his bow" that can secure Rugby World Cup selection, according to Bath coach Mike Ford.
Burgess's club mentor has tipped the rugby league convert to force his way into England's 45-man training squad, to be announced on May 20.
The former league forward started life in union at No.12 in December, only to slot into the back-row in recent months in a move some feared could curtail his World Cup hopes.
The 26-year-old himself admitted he would always put his hand up for Test selection, happy to switch between centre and blindside flanker as required.
"I think Sam should be in England's wider 45, definitely," said Bath head coach Ford.
"When we moved Sam to six I was pretty much certain Stuart Lancaster would pick him in that wider squad regardless of where we were playing him, because of his leadership qualities.
"Now though I think Stuart looking in will probably think this is an added string to his bow that enhances his selection - because now he has proved he can play two positions.
"That gives you the option to have six forwards on the bench, because Sam can cover the backs as well."
Former England defence coach Ford always felt Burgess would be best suited to the back-row in union, after joining Bath from NRL club South Sydney.
Now Ford believes Burgess is settled enough in his new code to transfer the prodigious graft that set him apart as one of the NRL's top talents.
"He has a phenomenal work-rate - the other week he made 46 plays in 62 minutes," said Ford.
"Francois Louw (Springboks flanker) is top of that every week, he tops those numbers, but he was 41 after 80 minutes.
"That's what we saw in Sam when we brought him over from South Sydney."
Share
