Burgess has been training as a 'crash-ball' centre in the mould of Manu Tuilagi who is suspended from duty. It's a fair comparison - he can beat the gain-line and is strong defensively, but I'm not sure it's going to work against the very best at the World Cup.
He's had a superb debut season, not that anyone on here would have expected otherwise, but it's been spent mostly at 6 and I think that's where he should be considered. Too late for that now though and the spotlight will really be on him tomorrow where I expect he will be having a straight shoot-out with Slade for the last centre position - they are very different players but if England are looking for a strong carrier then he is undoubtedly the best option they have already. Joseph, Burrell and Barritt will probably all be picked before him but if named in the squad he should see some game time in the 'easier' pool games at the very least. Looking forward to see how he goes tomorrow.
Eastmond is pretty unlucky, on last seasons form I'd pick him over Burrell and he is infinitely better with the ball than Barritt who is in simply because of his defence. I can only assume that the coaching staff don't rate him highly enough defensively.
The RFU will make more money from this one friendly than RL did from its 2013 Heritage Cup (sponsored by Groupon).
