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Rugby League

Burgess cleared for second Test

29/10/2007

Great Britain prop Sam Burgess has been cleared to play in the second Test against New Zealand despite being put on report for an alleged high tackle.

The 18-year-old forward was cited by match referee Tony Archer after a borderline tackle on Kiwi prop Fuifui Moimoi during the 20-14 victory for the Lions at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium on Saturday.

However he has been cleared by a three-man video review panel and is available for selection for Saturday's second Test at Hull FC's KC Stadium.

Bradford Bulls player Burgess became the youngest player to play for Great Britain in rugby league since Andy Farrell made his international debut in 1993.

And, like his predecessor, Burgess scored a try in his first match for his country, drawing several unavoidable comparisons with Farrell who went on to become one of the Lions' greatest ever players before switching codes two years ago.

The argument over whether Burgess should have been punished for the challenge is likely to drive a further wedge between the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the New Zealand Rugby Board, who were at loggerheads over disciplinary action earlier in the tour.

Adrian Morley was not punished for a perceived high tackle when playing for Northern Union against the All Golds in the centenary match earlier this month, prompting the New Zealanders to accuse the RFL of double standards.