WATCH: Sam Burgess lands massive punch on David Klemmer as Australia rout England
SAM BURGESS was lucky to escape without a red card after punching David Klemmer during England's 36-18 defeat to Australia at the London Stadium.
Sam Burgess and David Klemmer clash at Four Nations
Matt Gillett scored in the corner with eight minutes left on the clock to extend the Australian lead to 22 points.
It was a decisive blow in the game but England captain Burgess produced one of his own in the aftermath, landing a huge right-handed punch on the brow of Australia's Klemmer.
And referee Robert Hicks referred the incident to the video referee but surprisingly, no further action was taken against Burgess despite the cameras catching the punch in full.
Sam Burgess punched David Kemmer but was not punished by the referee
Sam Burgess was at the centre of a physical battle between England and Australia
I don't think they're that many points better than we are
England had come into the game knowing a win or a draw would be enough to put them into the Four Nations final.
And Jermaine McGilvary's try in the 25th minute gave them a 6-2 advantage but when Blake Ferguson went over just before half-time, it put Australia into a lead they never surrendered.
Three unanswered Australian tries after the break left the London Stadium in stunned silence until Gareth Widdop pulled one back with 12 minutes to go.
Sam Burgess was handed the captaincy for the Four Nations by coach Wayne Bennett
The 16-point deficit always looked as though it would be difficult to overcome though and Burgess' misdemeanour was a sign of the frustration felt throughout the team.
"It's quite disappointing, the scoreline," Burgess said.
"I don't think they're that many points better than we are.
I told you not to teach @SamBurgess8 the haymaker. @anthonyfjoshua get on naughty step pic.twitter.com/FoE00X1jBc
— The Champ (@LetsChamp) November 13, 2016
"We let ourselves down in crucial moments.
"We missed touch twice, it's a big momentum swinger, but I'm really proud of my team for their effort but we have to work hard if we want to get to where we want to be.
"There have been some great efforts throughout this tournament.
"We'll regroup and look forward to next year together."
New Zealand will play Australia at Anfield on November 20 for the Four Nations title.