Farewell to Burgo

[Swat]

Last night we saw what is most likely the last wallaby test played by Luke Burgess. I have always enjoyed watching Burgo play for both the Waratahs and the Wallabies and think that losing him is a big loss to aus rugby. Burgo copped a bit of criticism for slow ball when genia first came on the scene and took over his starting spot but i felt that having genia there spurned him on to become a great number 9. He's always defended well (I especially enjoyed the textbook try saver he put on SBW in a Baa Baas game when Money Bill first came to union), could spot a cheeky intercept from the back of a scrum (re ireland 2009?) and was quick to spot a gap near the ruck for a good snipe like we saw last night setting up the McCalman try. I have spent the last couple of weeks calling for him to start as he has looked better off the bench this wc than genia has starting but alas it wasn't to be (i know many will disagree - just put it down to my Tahs bias if u want). I think going to france is the right thing to do at this stage of his career and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Thanks Burgo, it's been a pleasure.:yay

 

[waratahjesus]

Second that, absolutely love the guy, they should have upped his contract just to have him front press conferences. Champion Bloke, Champion Player and absolute wierdo. Can't say enough good about him and agree he should have got a lot more time, His running game could have turned a few situations in this cup.

 

[DPK]

He may be back. If Vickerman could do it, I'd back Burgo too.

 

[louie]

Second that, absolutely love the guy, they should have upped his contract just to have him front press conferences. Champion Bloke, Champion Player and absolute wierdo. Can't say enough good about him and agree he should have got a lot more time, His running game could have turned a few situations in this cup.

in what way WJ? interesting

 

[waratahjesus]

He is a pretty aloof fellow, if you get the chance to have a chat with him or see a long interview, what comes out of his mouth is fantastic, subjects can change multiple times and you always end up somewhere you didn't see coming.

 

[louie]

Fantastic. I've been down on the guy in the past. Always had issue with the passing side of his game but we'll miss him. I feel deans could have used him better in this world cup.

 

[Hawko]

I have always loved the way Burgo plays; he is always looking for a way to be positive and his defence is awesome. But he can't go any further with his rugby career if he stays - he'll always be behind Genia no matter how well he plays and Dingo never uses his bench properly. If he stayed he would have become another Splinters, stuck behind Gregan. I tip him to tear up in Top 14.

Sad to see you go, Burgo, my playing enjoyment will be the lesser for your leaving.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

I would also just like to add to the other comments how proud I am to see a bloke who came from the Hunter make it to Super Rugby then onto representing Australia. I'm not a Maitland Blacks supporter but thats the club Burgo came from & is in my neck of the woods. I've always been critical of Rugbys current pathway options for those from the country (for mens rugby anyway) but that just makes Burgos accomplishments even greater that he was able to get as far as he did regardless of how crap the system is.

He will be missed in Oz. Looking forward to seeing him play in the French comp.

 

[Lee Grant]

He's been good value, Burgo, yet I thought he would better than he was. He never came to grips with his faults: inconsistent passing and dithering over the ball when a quick pass, even an ordinary one, would have served his team better.

Many players in key positions fail because they are not coached in, or don't dedicate themselves to, improving their skills. This may be unfair to Burgo but I would find if very hard to believe that a diligent player like Lachie Turner, if he were a scrummie, would not improve his passing skills, and if he didn't know how to do it, would find out how to.

NFJ had a problem passing one way and improved it by throwing bricks in that direction. It didn't do the home lawn any good, but his pass improved and he became one of the best Wallaby scrummies who ever was.

Burgo added a lot of value to his teams and not least in defence, when he acted like a 9th forward. He will be a terrific player for Toulouse as he is replacing someone in his own image: Byron Kelleher, who was the best Top14 player for a couple of seasons, IIRR, despite a pass that was unlovely.

He is a natural in front of a camera and talking into a microphone; so I would not be surprised to see him doing some TV commentary later on.

 

[yourmatesam]

Burgo is a champ. I had the pleasure of meeting him here in Wagga when he was just starting out at the Brumbies. He is an easy going, approachable and very likeable bloke. On the field he has always been great to watch.

I hope he enjoys his time in France and does well in whatever he turns his hand to after his time with the Wallabies.

 

[pete88]

I don't think this is goodbye, it's see you later. He's still young and I imagine the lure of another world cup will draw him back in a couple of years after he's lined his wallet. 31 at the next World Cup, not far from the end, but definitely not too old. I never thought he was brilliant but it's really daylight between Genia and his backup now. Shame he's going.

 

[Gagger]

He put the fast recycling running halfback back on the map when he burst onto the scene from club rugby and set that bar for Sanchez to have to attain as well.

He's obviously a smart bloke and has made a good decision IMO. Also rode a lot of wildly OTT criticism through his time with good grace as well.

Good luck to him