GB fear Burgess may be fall-guy

A video advisory panel will this morning look at the footage of the incident which led to Burgess being put 'on report' for a high tackle on Kiwi prop Fuifui Moimoi in the second half of Saturday's first Test.

Sam Burgess scores on his GB debut

Moimoi had to be helped off the pitch after being caught around the throat and, if the panel decide the Bradford front rower has a case to answer, he will then face an international disciplinary panel tonight.

New Zealand team doctor Simon Mayhew said yesterday that Moimoi had complained of pain in his jaw and neck and was having difficulty eating.

New Zealand are still furious that Great Britain's Adrian Morley escaped punishment last week after being put 'on report' for a high tackle during the Northern Union-New Zealand All Golds centenary international at Warrington.

After the video panel said Morley had no case to answer, he was labelled a 'maniac' by Andrew Chalmers, chief executive of the NZRL, and in turn the Kiwis were accused of 'double standards' by new RFL chief executive Nigel Wood.

"It seems to us that the comments by the New Zealand camp are a deliberate and predictable attempt to influence how Great Britain players are dealt with and viewed by match officials," he said.

Now, following Saturday's incident, Great Britain's new coach Tony Smith said: "Obviously, there is going to be more pressure on people to do something about it this time after last week's controversy, whether it is warranted or not."

New Zealand coach Gary Kemble said: "We will leave it to the officials to deal with. I was happy with the referee tonight."

The fact remains that Burgess, the first 18-year-old to play for Great Britain since Wigan's Andy Farrell also made a try-scoring debut against the Kiwis in 1993, is sweating on the possibility of a ban which would put him out of one or both of the two remaining Tests.

"It wasn't intentional," pleaded Burgess. "I am not a dirty player and I think the guys know that. When they (the video panel) come to look at it, they'll see it wasn't intentional.

"I was really excited before the game, itching to get out there and get stuck in. I never thought I would score a try but Leon (Pryce) made a half break and all I had to do was catch the ball and dive over the line. It is a fantastic feeling to win in my first Test."

New Zealand and Bradford centre Shontayne Hape, who scored two tries for the Kiwis, called his club colleague' performance 'awesome'.

And Burgess was not the only Great Britain debutant to impress. St Helens prop Maurie Fa'asavalu justified his selection with a try of his own. His inclusion had been controversial, as he played in the 2003 rugby union World Cup for Samoa. He earned the right to play rugby league for Great Britain on residential grounds.

Great Britain captain Jamie Peacock said: "Sam looked as though he had been playing Test football all his life and no other forward can come off the bench and do what Maurie does, which is why he's in the team."

Fa'asavalu, 27, said: "I was really emotional before the kick-off and maybe next time, if I'm picked again, I'll be able to join in singing the national anthem."

Fa'asavalu took a short pass from his St Helens team-mate James Roby to crash over the New Zealand line after the Kiwis had gone in front with the first of Hape's two tries.

But Fa'asavalu effectively gifted a try to Paul Whatuira as the Kiwis lead 10-8 at the break. Great Britain moved up a gear in the second half and Hull winger Gareth Raynor pounced after Sam Perrett misjudged a wicked bounce.

Burgess's try, after 62 minutes, crowned a deserved victory and the Lions now need to win at Hull on Saturday or at Wigan a week later to win a series outright for the first time since 1993.

James Graham is Great Britain's only injury doubt, with a knee problem, but the Kiwis could be without winger Tame Tupou (cruciate ligament) and Epalahame Lauaki (calf) for the second Test.

"We have improved out of sight since we lost to Australia in Wellington (58-0) and we will improve even more for the second test," said Kiwis coach Kemble.

"So will we," promised Tony Smith. "We were a bit rusty but it was a job well done. Nice and solid and we could have won by more."

Hopefully, he will not lose one of his new boys today.