Rugby World Cup 2011: News round-up
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
A round-up of the latest news, views and gossip from the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Latest: Outspoken Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has been hit with a misconduct charge after accusing Welsh referee Nigel Owens of bias. The Gloucester star criticised Owens for his handling of Samoa's 13-5 defeat to South Africa, which saw the Pacific Islanders eliminated. Fuimaono-Sapolu questioned Owens' neutrality on the basis that Wales stood to benefit from a South Africa victory. The charge - a "breach...of the World Cup disciplinary programme and for alleged infractions of the...terms of participation" - follows a formal warning that was issued to the Samoa Rugby Union in relation to previous Twitter comments from Fuimaono-Sapolu.
England wing Delon Armitage has been cited for a "dangerous high tackle" on Scotland full-back Chris Paterson during England's 16-12 win on Saturday. Armitage will appear before a disciplinary hearing in Auckland on Monday at 0100 BST. The offence carries a guideline suspension of between two and 10 weeks, or matches in the World Cup context.
Zane Kirchner has been called up by South Africa as a replacement for the injured Frans Steyn. He will join the squad in Wellington on Tuesday morning as preparations for Sunday's quarter-final get underway.
England manager Martin Johnson has reprimanded three players for their conduct and left them in "no doubt" about his anger following complaints from a female hotel worker. James Haskell, Dylan Hartley and Chris Ashton were made to formally apologise to Annabelle Newton after she was upset by some inappropriate comments. The incident occurred in the days before England moved from Dunedin to Queenstown, where a number of players enjoyed a drunken night out which also hit the headlines.
Australia are set to call for reinforcements after Drew Mitchell joined their injury list. The left wing suffered a tournament-ending hamstring injury during the 68-22 win over Russia. Matt Hodgson is expected to be called up to replace him.
