Many people are tracking the progress of England’s Sam Burgess at this World Cup, not least fellow Rugby League convert Sonny Bill Williams.

The 30-year-old centre became the second New Zealander to represent the All Blacks in two codes but has struggled to hold down a regular place since making his 15-man international debut in 2010.

Williams and Burgess have a lot in common thanks to their League backgrounds, with both players having come off the bench to great success in the early stages of this tournament already.

But the Englishman has looked a little green at times in his short international career, although Williams is positive that if he keeps thing simple, Burgess can thrive in midfield.

“The two games are pretty similar. I thought Sam handled himself really well [against Wales] and played some good footie. He shored up that midfield for the England team,” Williams said.

“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.”

Williams was named in the All Blacks side to face Georgia on Friday, while Burgess returns to the England bench after Jonathan Joseph returned to fitness to face Australia on Saturday.