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)