Sam Burgess sweats on ban decision

Sam Burgess (Getty)

Sam Burgess will find out on Monday whether he faces a suspension that would end his World Cup.

The England forward was placed on report midway through the second half of the 28-20 defeat by Australia at Cardiff in the opening game.

Burgess was penalised by the referee, Henry Perenara, for a high tackle on Sam Thaiday.

A decision will be made by noon on whether the South Sydney player will face a judiciary hearing tomorrow evening. Losing him would be another major blow for the British pack, with Gareth Hock sent home and James Graham out of favour.

On the positive side, the England coach, Steve McNamara, was thrilled by the Test debut of Burgess’s younger brother, George.

He scored a try, had another disallowed and carried the ball with formidable strength.

“He was very, very good,” said McNamara. “He was a handful for the opposition.”

For Australia, Thaiday is likely to sit out against Fiji at St Helens on Saturday after concussion.