An over-eager fan attempted to join a ruck during South Africa's Rugby World Cup clash with Samoa on Saturday after spotting his chance for five seconds of fame.

With the clock having ticked past 80 minutes, the supporter - wearing jeans and what appeared to be a Springboks jersey - made his way onto the Villa Park pitch with the two-times world champions 46-6 in front.

After seeing South Africa lose to Japan in their tournament opener last weekend, the fan might have felt he had something to offer Heyneke Meyer in the breakdown.

However, the intruder showed little skill or awareness before being hauled to the ground by Samoan scrum-half Vavao Afemai.

With bosses likely to come down hard on the pitch invader, it seems likely his World Cup career - both as a player and a fan - could well be over.

Questions will now be asked about the level of security at World Cup matches, particularly at Villa Park, where Australia take on Uruguay on Sunday.