AFP/London

Former England captain Will Carling has called Sam Burgess to explain his criticism of the decision to give the rugby league convert a place in the hosts’ World Cup squad, Burgess said yesterday.   
It was only 10 months ago that Burgess, having been man-of-the-match in South Sydney Rabbitohs’ win in the Australian National Rugby League grand final, switched to union by joining English Premiership side Bath. Burgess 26, made his England union debut in the 19-14 win over France at Twickenham last month, producing a couple of strong tackles, but not enough in the opinion of former Test centre Carling to earn a place in a World Cup squad.
He has now been selected at centre by England coach Stuart Lancaster, even though he spent much of the past season playing as a backrow forward with Bath.  
“I don’t understand what the rush is and it’s unfair on him. I feel sorry for him,” Carling said on the eve of England’s World Cup squad announcement.
“If you watched Burgess carefully he was out of position a huge amount in defence (against France) and England can’t afford that against sides who will focus on him.”
But Burgess said yesterday: “I’ve spoken to Will - he got in touch after he made his comments.
“Will’s just passionate about England. He has his opinion 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 have a lot of belief in the training I’ve done over the last 10 weeks.”

Crowe backing
Burgess is now set to win a second union Test cap, off the bench, against Six Nations champions Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday in England’s final warm-up match.
“Someone just asked me a question ‘how do you feel?’. I said ‘I’m fine, I feel like a rugby union player’,” Burgess said.
“People will always compare my past to what’s going on now, whereas I’d rather not do that.
“I’m ready to do the job in hand and add my weight to the squad, in whatever capacity that may be.”
However, one constant source of support for Burgess has been Oscar-winning actor and Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe.  
Crowe stated in February: “Never bet against Sam Burgess when faced with a challenge” and Burgess confirmed Friday the two men still kept in close touch.
“I’ve spoken to Russell quite a bit. He’s ridden the wave as much as me. He just cares for me, which is wonderful, and it’s great to have him in my life,” Burgess said.
“I do appreciate it and I daresay he might be an England fan during the World Cup, but we’ll wait and see. “I think he’s working on a movie during our pool game against Australia, but if he’s in town he might come across.”