Monday 8 December 2014 18:29, UK
Rugby league convert Sam Burgess will make his first start in union this weekend after two strong performances from the bench for Bath.
Bath coach Toby Booth confirmed head coach Mike Ford wants to start the 25-year-old against Montpellier in the Euopean Champions Cup on Friday.
It is expected that Burgess, who joined Bath in October, will line up at inside centre.
Burgess has made two appearances for Bath from the bench since leaving Australia's National Rugby League where he won the premiership with South Sydney.
Burgess has so far had short bursts in the 15-man code against Harlequins and Montpellier.
Bath are third in Pool Four of the European competition and are second in the Premiership standings.
Earlier this month, England head coach Stuart Lancaster said Burgess could get his first taste of international rugby union with England's second-string Saxons side in January.
"That would be a big step, but who knows? We'll wait and see. If he plays well, there's a Saxons game in January," Lancaster said.
"Sam is a player who will be of interest, without a doubt. He's a powerful man and it will be nice to see him get a few more games and put his hand up."
