England centre Sam Burgess has insisted that he is fully prepared for the challenge of taking on Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
Despite winning just three caps since his switch from rugby league, Burgess has been added to the lineup for the Pool A fixture as a replacement for Jonathan Joseph, who is expected to be out for at least a week with a chest injury.
Questions have been raised about whether the 26-year-old is ready to play such a key role in the World Cup, but he is confident of rising to the occasion.
"With the doubt about JJ, I thought there might be a chance. I was ready for it, and just got on with the training on the field and working on the combinations," Burgess told reporters.
"I believe in myself. I feel like I've got the respect of my teammates and staff here. Those are the opinions that really count for me."
Stuart Lancaster has also handed starts to Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola for the Pool A fixture.
Callum Mulvihill
