England face substitute probe

World Cup organisers tonight confirmed that they are investigating why England briefly had 16 players on the pitch during today’s Pool C clash against Samoa.

The incident occurred late in the game at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome, which England won 35-22 to book a quarter-final place.

England replacement Dan Luger joined the action but none of his team-mates appeared to leave the field before Luger was hauled off again.

Tournament chiefs are now awaiting reports from the match’s fifth official and match commissioner Geoff Shaw before deciding any course of action.

It is hoped their reports will be available within 24 hours.

England are unlikely to be docked points, with a rap over the knuckles far more likely.