South Africa center Francois Steyn has been cited for allegedly biting an opponent during Saturday's World Cup Pool A match against Tonga in Lens.

 

"Francois Steyn has been cited in connection with an allegation of biting involving the Tonga wing Joseph Vaka," organizers said in a statement.

 

The player and South African team management have been informed and must attend a hearing yet to be convened.

 

If Steyn is found guilty of the offence it will almost certainly end his involvement in the World Cup as the International Rugby Board's recommended sentence for biting ranges from six months to three years.

 

Samoa captain Brian Lima's landmark fifth World Cup was brought to a premature end on Monday when he was banned for three weeks for a high tackle on England's Jonny Wilkinson in Saturday's 44-22 defeat.

 

The ban rules Lima out of Samoa's final game against the United States on Wednesday when the two sides will be fighting to avoid finishing last and winless in Pool A.

 

(China Daily via Agencies September 26, 2007)