Sam Burgess has called out Rob Andrew as the gripe between the pair rumbles on following the former RFU director’s claims that selecting the league convert contributed to England’s failure at the 2015 Rugby World Cup on BBC Breakdast.
‘I think there’s been a lot of focus on the one page (of the book) on Sam Burgess — there’s a lot of other stuff around the World Cup,’ Andrew told BBC Breakfast.
I think Rob Andrew should pick up the phone and call me.
— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) November 8, 2017
‘I think the issue was, and my big comment around it, is that head coaches get judged on their results and they have to make decisions around selection and Sam Burgess was a massive decision.
‘And it’s not just blaming Sam, it wasn’t Sam’s fault that he was picked to play for England.
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‘But it changed the dynamic of that squad going into a World Cup and head coaches live or die by the decisions they take — and we didn’t get out of our group in a home World Cup.
One man who has came to the defence of Burgess is Wallabies legend Matt Giteau, who faced England during the Pool stage.
Mate you were a challenge for me at that World Cup. A lot of review time spent on u. He is off the mark by a long way
— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) November 8, 2017
Burgess responded to Giteau, thanking him for his support.
legend. Anyhow, hope you’re well pal, look forward to catching up when you’re back in Aus. Hope family are well lad💪🏼
— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) November 8, 2017