Sonny Bill Williams has advised Sam Burgess to "keep it simple" in the wake of withering criticism of his performance against Wales at Twickenham, where the Englisman was thrust into the Rugby World Cup limelight with just 112 minutes of rugby union under his belt.
Critics include former Ireland centre Gordon D'Arcy, who wrote in a newspaper column after England's 28-25 loss to Wales that Burgess's "naivety embarrassed those around him."
Some English media have reported that Burgess will not make it into the England team to play Australia on Saturday, after Jonathan Joseph returned to fitness after missing the Wales Test with a hamstring injury, but Williams, the 2011 Rugby World winner who returned to union in time for England 2015 after another stint playing rugby league, believes his fellow code-hopper will make it in the 15-a-side game.
"I thought Sam handled himself really well [against Wales] and played some good footy," Williams said.
"He shored up that midfield for the England team.
"I think the problem we have is sometimes we seem to over-complicate things. When you simplify things, it's a lot easier than you what you think. So I'm really happy to see Sam go well in this tournament."