South Africa have suffered a huge blow after losing of star flanker Schalk Burger for Friday's World Cup showdown with England at the Stade de France.

Burger last night received a four-match ban after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Samoa scrum-half Junior Polu during the Springboks' 59-7 Pool A victory in Paris on Sunday.

It means Burger, who has 48 hours to appeal the decision, will miss his country's remaining pool games against England, Tonga and the United States.

He is also set to sit out a potential quarter-final against either Australia or Wales in Marseille on the opening weekend of October.

Burger's suspension was announced just hours after England captain Phil Vickery received a two-match ban after being cited for tripping USA centre Paul Emerick in Lens on Saturday.

Burger pleaded not guilty to the charge, arguing the contact had occurred "between two players attempting to win possession".

However, judicial officer Terry Willis saw it otherwise.

An official World Cup statement read: "The judicial officer [JO] determined that Burger executed a reckless and sloppy tackle that was high and dangerous whilst the opposing player was in the air and therefore in a vulnerable position.

"There were no aggravating circumstances. However, there were several mitigating factors, including Burger's remorse in relation to the incident, his excellent conduct during the hearing and his good disciplinary record.

"During 34 Tests for South Africa, 42 Super 14 games and 22 Currie Cup games for his province, he had never been before a disciplinary committee for such an offence.

"The JO determined the offence to be at the mid range of seriousness. The entry point (suspension) for a mid-range offence is six matches.

"However, the JO decided in this case the suspension should be four matches in light of the mitigating factors."