Rivals rocked by World Cup bans

12/09/2007 9:57:19 AM
PA Sport

South Africa's and England's Rugby World Cup campaign have been rocked with the news Springboks flanker Schalk Burger and England skipper Phil Vickery have been suspended for four and two matches respectively.

Burger has been suspended for four matches after a dangerous tackle on Samoa halfback Junior Polu in Sunday's match in Paris, meaning he will miss the rest of South Africa's pool matches and a potential quarter-final appearance.

RWC judicial officer Terry Willis determined that Burger executed a reckless and sloppy tackle that was high and dangerous whilst the opposing player was in the air and therefore in a vulnerable position.

Burger pleaded not guilty to the charge and alleged that contact occurred between the two players as he attempted to win possession, but Willis upheld the appeal and determined the offence to be at the mid-range of seriousness.

The entry point for a mid range offence is six matches, but Willis decided in this case the suspension should be four matches in light of the fact that Burger showed remorse after the incident, his excellent conduct during the hearing and his good disciplinary record.

Burger has 48 hours in which to appeal the decision but if the decision stands it is expected former skipper Bob Skinstad or Bulls flanker Wikus van Heerden will come into the South African XV for the important pool match against England this weekend.

Meanwhile, Vickery will miss the World Cup games against South Africa and Samoa after a two-game ban for tripping USA centre Paul Emerick.

The 31-year-old has 48 hours to appeal against the ban and the England camp are considering their position.

South Africa-born Matt Stevens will replace Vickery in the team to face the Springboks on Friday, with Perry Freshwater coming on to the bench.

The captaincy will go to Jason Robinson, Mike Catt or Martin Corry.