Rugby: Burgess happy to get monkey off back with try and victory for Bath

England's Sam Burgess. Photo / NZPA

Sam Burgess admitted he was relieved to finally score his first try for Bath in their 39-26 English rugby victory over Wasps yesterday.

Former South Sydney NRL star Burgess, who started at second-five, touched down just after halftime in a win that saw Bath close the gap on leaders Northampton to one point.

It was the Englishman's most effective display since he made his Bath debut six weeks ago following his switch to union from rugby league.

Burgess, who signed a three-year deal with Bath after leaving Souths, said: "It was good. I am kind of glad to get the monkey off the back."

"I was happy to get over for the try. George [Ford] found me with a great pass and I managed to slide over.

"I am improving week to week and enjoying a bit more time on the field. Overall I am happy with the way things are going, and there are things to work on, as always.

"I came from quite a high pressure environment in Australia, and I am learning the game week by week, but pressure is fine. I kind of knew that would be the case."

Bath triumphed on the back of tries by Burgess, Francois Louw, Semesa Rokoduguni, Matt Banahan and Ollie Devoto.

- AFP