Rugby League convert Sam Burgess will be thrown in at the deep end when he starts against Wales in the first big World Cup 'Pool of Death' clash on Saturday.

Critics say England coach Stuart Lancaster is rushing Burgess. Lancaster has insisted he is not risking the World Cup hosts' chances.

A chest injury to Bath team-mate Jonathan Joseph during England's tournament-opening 35-11 win over Fiji led Lancaster to rejig his backline for their second Pool A game which has earned its notoriety because of the presence of Australia.

Now, having made much of the need for experience in the side when he became England coach in 2012, Lancaster will give Burgess just his second Test start in the 15-man game, at inside centre, alongside the tough-tackling Brad Barritt.

Lancaster has also dropped George Ford, his first-choice fly-half for the past year, and brought in Owen Farrell, who like Burgess and recalled No 8 Billy Vunipola impressed off the bench against Fiji.