Skip to content

England 's Sam Burgess asks 'Who's Scott Williams?' ahead of Welsh clash

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Wales centre Scott Williams said he'd rather face Burgess than Joseph; this was Burgess' response.

Sam Burgess has fueled the fire ahead of crunch clash with Wales by asking who opposition midfielder Scott Williams was.

Wales centre Williams admitted on Wednesday that he found it harder to defend against the quick-footed attacking threat of Jonathan Joseph rather than the hard running style of Burgess.

When posed to the England man he simply replied: "Who's that?"

Told again that it was Scott Williams who said it, he smiled mischievously and said: "Oh yes. Okay, yes."

Sam Burgess during an England training session
Image: Burgess during an England training session

"Let's wait and see - I'll let the performance do the talking on Saturday," said Burgess.

"Jamie Roberts is a great player - he is very big, and dominant," Burgess added. "I'm looking forward to the battle but like I said, I'll let the performance do the talking.

"I don't want to make any bold predictions. But I'll be ready on Saturday.

Also See:

"There's a lot of talk about the centres but I think we have got to look at the bigger picture - the whole squad. It's going to take the whole squad to win this game and this competition. We're ready for it."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Stuart Lancaster defended his choice of bringing in Sam Burgess into the starting line-up to face Wales in the World Cup.

Rugby League convert Burgess will partner Brad Barritt in midfield, however despite his inexperience in the 15-man-code Burgess revealed he was no surprised at his inclusion.

"With the doubt about JJ [Joseph], I thought there might be a chance. I was ready for it, and just got on with the training on the field and working on the combinations," he said.

"I believe in myself. I feel like I've got the respect of my team-mates and staff here. Those are the opinions that really count for me."

The Bath man insists he is comfortable starting alongside Saracens star Barritt for the first time in an international.

Brad Barritt passes the ball
Image: Brad Barritt 'a very talented player' says Burgess

"It's our first time, starting anyway. We're looking forward to that," he said. "Brad's a great guy and a very talented player. I've got Owen [Farrell] inside as well. It's the first time you will have seen it, but on the inside we have rolled around many different combinations throughout the past 14, 15 weeks so we're comfortable. We'll be ready on Saturday night."

Around Sky