By Jim Stokes BBC Sport, Sydney

There were mixed feelings on the streets of Sydney at England's punishment for fielding an extra player in the game against Samoa 26 October.

Most were adamant there was no chicanery meant by the England management, but some said that the �10,000 fine was insufficient.

The banning of England fitness coach Dave Reddin from the touchline for two matches also brought out a difference of opinion.

One Australian supporter still believed England should have been thrown out of the tournament.

"The World Cup judiciary should have come down much harder on England," said Shane Johnson of Queensland.

"They were arrogant with what they did and should have been chucked out of the World Cup.

"If the same thing had happened to one of the smaller nations, they would have been shown the door as an example."

However, Kiwi Hamish Rolleson from Canterbury wondered what all the fuss was about.

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"A total storm in a tea cup if you asked me," he said. "Let them get on with playing rugby. That's what they're here for. What difference would it have made to the result?

"It's all a bit of a joke. Let's face it, who really gives a hoot? Let them sort it out on the paddock."

Limerick-born Leo Madden, a former Garryowen player who now lives in Dublin, fell on the side of England.

"I personally think it was a bit severe. There was only 34 seconds remaining and the match was virtually over. Samoa could not have won it at that stage," he said.

"I looked at the way other players and teams are looked after and I thought it was a bit tough.

"I think the Australian press has gone over the top. The way they are reporting the World Cup is like the way football is done back home and it could inflame the situation."

However, Dai Jones of Cardiff made a point which one would have to consider carefully.

"It's simple, they broke the law. They should have got the ultimate sanction," he said. "I'm a golfer, and if I broke one of the rules like that, I would be out of the game, end of story.

"I think England and Dave Reddin were lucky to escape with such a miserly ban and fine."

Scottish-born Bruce McIlhenny said that the papers in Australia have really gone overboard.

"Some of the comments made in the papers here have inflamed everything. It's beat the Poms time," he said.

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"Everyone knows they are arrogant. So what. But they can play rugby, and I feel that the Australian media will do anything to put them under pressure."

Brian Marshall of Kent asked: "Who is Dave Reddin anyway? What influence has he got on a game. If he is banned from the touchline for two matches, so what. England will still win anyway."

But Waratahs fan Dave Bowen believes England will try any trick in the book to win.

"It might not have seemed like much, if they had of got away with that, they would have tried something bigger the next time.

"But the fine will mean nothing to them. What had their fitness coach got to do with it anyway. If he had a row with an official it's only right he should have been punished.

"You would not get away with that in other sports."