The seasoned professional has also reminded them the boot can be a heck of a weapon at this level.
Burns, destined to be an object of fascination since the former English test first five was announced as an unexpected Highlanders signing for this season, spoke for the first time yesterday about why he came to Dunedin and what he wanted to bring to his new club.
He hoped he had plenty to offer, nine years after playing the last of his five tests for England.
"I see myself as an attacking 10, but what I think I can offer more is probably a bit of experience," Burns said.
"It’s a young Highlanders backline, and a very exciting backline, but we all know that the kicking game in rugby now is becoming more and more of a weapon.
"That’s not to say I’m going to come down here and just kick the leather off the ball. I still want to run and play that attacking style, but I just want to give a bit of direction and help out where I can.
"If anything, I’ve come here to get away from that sort of kick-heavy game. But if you look statistically at every team that’s won the major tournaments both in Europe and down here, they’re the teams that can kick the most.
"It’s just that balance and making sure we’re efficient in what we do, and let the guys around me be amazing attacking threats."
Burns enjoyed a couple of days in Queenstown with his girlfriend last week, but he has not come to New Zealand for a holiday, and he is ready to push hard for a start each week.
Mitch Hunt is an established quality — although making a comeback after a long injury break — at first five, Marty Banks has plenty of experience and Cam Millar is the raw talent.
"I’m fully aware nothing is given to you in this game. We’ve got a great group of flyhalves, all of them are great blokes, and it’s exciting.
"As I get up to scratch with the plays and more comfortable with the team, I want to be pushing for that 10 shirt."
Burns, who just last year kicked the winning goal for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership final, said he accepted the Highlanders’ offer to join Super Rugby simply because it was a great opportunity.
Few Englishmen had played in the competition — he referenced enigmatic former Highlanders loose forward James Haskell — and it was not something he felt he could turn down.
"To have this opportunity was huge, especially at this time of my career.
"I’ve grown up watching Super Rugby on the TV back in England, so to do it, and to do it for a club like the Highlanders, is brilliant.
"As soon as the offer came in, I knew it was something I wanted to explore, and I’m very thankful to Leicester Tigers and the Highlanders for the work put in behind the scenes to make this happen."
Burns actually came to Dunedin with England for a test against the All Blacks in 2014 but did not get off the bench at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
He drew some parallels between Leicester — his emotional ties to which were apparent in a recent viral video of him reading out a letter from a fan — and a Highlanders team that aims to represent its community.
"I’ve been very fortunate in my career to play for clubs that have really strong support and good backing.
"I’ve already experienced that down here with the preseason crowds that came out, and that’s amazing to be a part of.
"Leicester was really special. It’s a working-class community where people work their socks off in order to afford a ticket to come and stand in the wind and rain and watch the boys and cheer us on.
"To have that moment in the final last season, to win it and see the effects it had on certain people .. . it’s hard not to get a bit emotional about it.
"It’s a special club and it’s well supported. That’s one similarity I see down here, and I can’t wait to get out and earn my stripes."
He also relishes the prospect of playing outside All Blacks and Highlanders great Aaron Smith.
"I feel very fortunate to leave one great No 9 at Leicester, Ben Youngs, and come down here and pick up a player like Aaron Smith.
"I can’t wait to build a connection with him, hopefully for the benefit of the team."
