South Africa flanker Schalk Burger will not play at this year’s World Cup again unless his team reach the semifinals.
Burger was banned for four matches at a disciplinary hearing that ran into the early hours of Wednesday morning after he was found guilty of a dangerous tackle on Samoa scrumhalf Junior Polu in South Africa’s 59-7 victory on Sunday.
A team spokesperson said they would appeal against the verdict.
If the sentence is upheld, Burger, world player of the year in 2004, will miss Friday’s Pool A clash with England as well as matches against Tonga and the United States and the quarterfinal — should South Africa reach that stage.
Burger pleaded not guilty after being cited and said that he had been contesting the ball in the air when he had made contact with Polu.
However, Terry Willis, the judicial officer, decided that Burger ”executed a reckless and sloppy tackle that was high and dangerous”, according to the tournament’s website.
The offence carries a two to 10-week suspension with Willis deciding that the offence was in the mid-range of seriousness. Burger’s remorse, his excellent conduct during the hearing and his good disciplinary record were taken into mitigation.
Samoa’s Alfie Vaeluaga was also cited for a high tackle on Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery in the match. A date for his hearing is yet to be set. — Reuters