PARIS (Reuters) - Samoa captain Brian Lima's landmark fifth World Cup was brought to a premature end yesterday 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 in St Etienne tomorrow when the two sides will be fighting to avoid finishing last and winless in Pool A.

Lima, 35, was penalised and spoken to by the referee after his tackle across the throat of the England flyhalf but the Judicial Officer (JO) decided that it was worthy of further punishment.

"The JO determined that the reasons for the referee's decision in awarding a penalty for the offence were wrong and could not accept the explanation of the player that there was no intention to commit a dangerous tackle," World Cup organisers said in a statement.

"The tackle was inherently dangerous and the swinging right arm of Brian Lima connected with considerable force on the neck/throat of Jonny Wilkinson."

The JO ruled that it was "deliberate rather than reckless" but taking Lima's remorse and "exemplary character" into account, cut the recommended suspension from six to three weeks.

The ban takes to 13 the number of players unavailable for Samoa after a series of injuries and problems.

In Saturday's game, flanker Daniel Leo broke his wrist, number eight Henry Tuilagi hurt a shoulder and scrumhalf Junior Polu suffered concussion. All three will miss the final match, as will prop Fosi Palaamo, who is going home early for personal reasons.

Meanwhile, South Africa centre Francois Steyn will face a Rugby World Cup judicial hearing following an allegation of biting during the Springboks' win over Tonga two days ago.

Steyn, 20, was charged by tournament citing commissioner Jean-Claude Legendre in connection with a biting claim involving Tonga winger Joseph Vaka. Both players were sin-binned in the 63rd minute after an off-the-ball clash near the halfway line.

If found guilty, Steyn could be banned a minimum of 12 weeks according to the recommended International Rugby Board sanctions for a biting offense, which would rule him out of the rest of the tournament.

"The player and his team management have been informed and a hearing will be scheduled as soon as reasonably practicable," World Cup organizers said in a statement.

South Africa advanced to the quarter-finals by beating Tonga 30-25 and will face Wales or Fiji on October 7 in Marseille.