Red-hot Freddie Burns targets World Cup warm-ups

Freddie Burns credits kicking coach Paul Grayson for a remarkable turnaround in form that he believes could yet earn him a place in England‘s World Cup training squad – if he can steer Leicester to a shock Premiership title.
Burns, one of England’s most naturally gifted playmakers, has been out in the international cold since starring on last year’s tour of New Zealand.
But he reckons the slump in form that saw him struggle to adapt to the “Leicester way” following last year’s controversial move from Gloucester is over and that, thanks to ex-England man Grayson, his place-kicking is back to Test standard.
Burns told The Rugby Paper: “One of the frustrations over the first half of this season was knowing I’d played for England at Eden Park, supposedly one of the toughest places in Test rugby, and kicked four from four from all over the park, and yet when I played for Tigers against London Welsh in front of 1,500 people, I couldn’t hit a barn door.
“That’s why I brought in Paul Grayson. I’ve been working with him for about three months now and the difference is there for all to see.
“The confidence is back in my goal-kicking and while I’ve always relied on my natural ability to kick a ball through the posts, that only gets you so far. We’ve worked on a new blueprint and I know that if my routine is right, I’ll get nine out of 10.
“I pretty much threw out my old style and started from scratch. The mindset has been a big change but I’m heading in the right direction again.”
Burns candidly concedes he has only himself to blame for losing his England place.
George Ford, Owen Farrell, Danny Cipriani, Stephen Myler and Exeter tyro Henry Slade are ahead in England’s queue, but Burns is eager to make up lost ground.
He explained: “It’s my dream to feature in a home World Cup and if I don’t make it there’ll be disappointment because over the last year to 18 months I let my form slip, which is always frustrating, but I’m back on the horse now.
“It’s been tough to take because I feel every time I’ve played for England I’ve performed well. I’d like to think the coaches know I can perform in that arena, but I’ve obviously slipped off the radar.
“I had a chat with (England head coach) Stuart Lancaster before the Six Nations and he knows I’m desperate to play in a World Cup. I’m still optimistic, but that chance will only come from proving myself week-in, week-out at Leicester.
“With the wins we’ve had and the fact I’m contributing, your name gets mentioned a bit more. If I can play well for the rest of the season and take us to a Premiership final – and, hopefully, win it – I’ll be there or thereabouts for the World Cup training squad.
“Throughout my career I’ve been a sort of underdog and it suits me being where I am at the minute. I’ve got a lot of work to put in for Leicester but if the call does come from Stuart I’ll be over the moon.”
Tigers boss Richard Cockerill made it clear Burns would have to rein in his maverick style or chances at Welford Road would be limited. Burns concedes: “I knew there were areas I had to change and culturally, Leicester would be a lot different.
“Has it been tougher than I thought? Possibly. But at the same time I see the rugby I’m playing now and I’m getting back to my best, so I’ve got to be thankful for the move and being brave enough to make it.
“I’m trying to play the Leic-ester way and if that means taking myself out of the limelight and not doing the miracle plays, so be it as long as we’re winning.”
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