New boys backed to spark Freddie Burns’ Test bid
Burns recaptured the form that earned him five England caps as Tigers chased a league and Champions Cup double, but an ankle injury suffered against Racing 92 in April ended his season and ruled him out of tour contention.
Mauger expects the playmaker to come out firing in September, telling The Rugby Paper: “Freddie’s in a good space and he’s really evolved. There was a good challenge last season around the growth of his game but he really stepped up.
“He was pretty confident with his game before his injury and the coaches here did a good job getting the best out of him. Players have to make decisions around whether to take on challenges but it’s a mark of Freddie that he did that.
“We always knew what was in him and we were happy with the product we were getting. He may have surprised a few people but, from what I’ve seen so far, he’s a top lad who certainly has the ability to play international football.
“A big part of Freddie’s challenge was his physicality, but he was making his tackles, taking the line on and making good decisions at big moments. Those are the things international coaches look at and Eddie Jones will have noted it.”
Tigers missed out on silverware but Mauger expects Wallaby Test star Toomua and Springbok World Cup winner Pietersen to shine.
He said: “They’re quality players who will add to the good work our lads have put in place. Matt’s an outstanding talent who plays a tough game; he’s got all the subtle skills of a quality 10/12 but he’s a tough character as well.
“You need that in this part of the world and JP can chase kicks, gather high balls and make big runs in tough conditions. He can play 13, too, and those guys will complement Freddie and make him an even better player.”
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