Rugby: 16th man claim probed

Sanzar will investigate Queensland Reds' complaint that the Sharks fielded an extra man for more than two minutes in their Super 14 rugby match in South Africa on Sunday.

But Sanzar's Brett Rowles does not expect Queensland to receive a bonus point if a teleconference today confirms the Sharks used a 16th man.

The Reds claim Sharks replacement Craig Burden was the illegal 16th man. He came on in the 68th minute of the Sharks' 22-10 win and made two key tackles during his two minutes 10 seconds on the field - including a crucial hit on a surging Chris Latham.

The Reds hope they receive a bonus point because backrower Burden's tackle on Latham stopped a potential Reds try which would have at least cut the deficit to under seven points.

England were fined more than A$20,000 ($23,482) for having a 16th man at the 2003 World Cup in a game against Samoa The teleconference will be held this afternoon.