Grayson backs Burgess for cup role

He spoke out in the wake of Australia, who have been rejuvenated by new coach Michael Cheika, clinching the crack southern hemisphere Rugby Championship by dethroning New Zealand in Sydney and Fiji’s stunning success in the Pacific Nations Cup final.

Whoever does advance into the knockout stages, Johnson believes they will benefit from having been battle hardened against high-calibre opposition.

Goode bristles slightly when asked if he considers utility players such as Danny Cipriani or Henry Slade as his closest rivals for a place in the final World Cup squad that must be announced by August 31.

England have been placed at a disadvantage for their opening World Cup warm-up match after France broke with established protocol by scheduling their team announcement for Saturday’s Twickenham showdown on the eve of the game.

England headed into their match against Les Bleus knowing they had to overturn a 26-point points gap if they were to take the Six Nations away from Ireland’s grasp.

Ultimately it will depend upon the overall blend England are seeking but it would be no surprise if Slade further prolongs the debate.

“It will be a great stepping stone for us going into the World Cup if we can put in good performances, back those up with results and build momentum”, said Joseph.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for this group of players which they will not get again”.

Rugby World Cup victor Matt Burke is backing Sam Burgess to make a go of it in rugby union as the cross-code convert prepares for his full England debut.

“He’s a big game player”.

This year’s tournament will see England compete in Pool A. This means they will play firstly a tough Fiji side and then Australia and finally Wales in consecutive weekends.

According to the ex-skipper, the Wallabies lack any notable weaknesses and excel in “scoring tries out of nothing”.

“They’re risky”, he acknowledged when quizzed on the French threat – the kind of threat capable of putting paid to any rookie midfielder’s chances of making a World Cup cut.

He said: “If the Tories had any taste they would have thought about how they could have used the opportunity to reward residents who volunteer their time to make this a better borough”. “If he doesn’t penalise, then it nullifies the advantage at the scrum”. Wherever I go, wherever I play, I know I’m not just carrying my family now, I’m carrying my friends, I’m carrying the country, and I love that.

“Sometimes when you’re young you don’t worry about it too much, you just play and he does it instinctively whereas Sam Burgess has played rugby league his whole life and is trying to change some natural instincts”.

It’s a huge game and as France are traditionally slow starters, it’s one that might be worth taking a risk on to give you an early lead in your SuperBru pool.

Dawson duly fed Jonny Wilkinson to slot the goal which was this week voted: “The most priceless moment in World Cup history”, in a survey by tournament sponsor Mastercard.