RWC: Cheika may regret helping code-hopping Burgess

England's Sam Burgess passes the ball during a training session. Photo / AP

Australia coach Michael Cheika may regret helping former league star Sam Burgess switch codes if he comes off the bench and plays a key role in an England victory on Sunday.

In 2010 Burgess got to know Cheika's brother Paul, who is involved in real estate and the restaurant trade. It was Paul that introduced the two.

Cheika, who was in charge of the Waratahs at the time, would meet Burgess for coffee in Sydney to offer him guidance during his switch to rugby, despite being a keen fan of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who the Yorkshireman would inspire to the NRL title before migrating to Bath.

Those coffee-fuelled mentoring sessions will seem a distant but nagging memory for Cheika as England's decisive showdown with the Wallabies at Twickenham approaches.

"I know Michael Cheika, I know him pretty well - he will be getting their guys fired up," said Burgess.

Cheika has previously revealed his minor role in Burgess' decision to cross to rugby, saying: "We had several chats. I talked to him about rugby and all that. I was torn because obviously I am a Souths supporter too but I talked to him about rugby.

"We will have to fire the lads up and get stuck into him because he is pretty unbreakable."

Speaking yesterday, the Wallabies' coach added: "Last time I saw him was when we were on tour here last year. I was fortunate enough to get to know him. He's an A1 fella and I'm sure he's enjoying his time. He's 100 per cent committed.

"He's done extremely well to be in the position he's in in such a short space of time.

"When we are up against him we are going to have to be at our best to give him a few things to think about, because I'm sure he'll be giving us some things to think about.

"He is a class footballer - a quality player and athlete. He's aggressive too, which he showed with the way he played in the rugby league Grand Final last year. You would have him involved just for his mental approach and the way he takes the game on."

Burgess, asked what the Australians should expect from England, said: "Heart. I guess if there's a time to put your body and heart on the line, it's this weekend. A winning attitude is what we need on Saturday for 80 minutes."