Samoa coach Michael Jones said on Tuesday it was a tragedy that Brian Lima will have to sit out the last match of his record fifth and final World Cup through suspension.

The 35-year-old centre was banned for three weeks on Monday for a dangerous tackle on England fly-half Johnny Wilkinson in his team's 44-22 defeat which ended their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

"We are appealing it," said former All Blacks legend Jones ahead of Wednesday's Pool A match against the United States.

"We are pursuing it out of principle. We have looked at some of the more serious offences that have got a week or two weeks, so just like the referee, all we are asking for is consistency.

"It would have been his last game after 18 years playing in five World Cups, so it's a tragedy for him and Samoa and all the supporters of the world who loved watching Brian play.

"The real pity is this is the first time in 18 years he has ever been cited."

Samoa have lost all three matches at the World Cup but Jones believes they have won over the neutral spectators with their style of play.

"The French have been good to Samoa the whole tournament. I think we have been essentially been known as the second Les Bleus," said Jones.

"I think they like the way we play. They appreciate the spirit and the flair. We don't play boring rugby."

AFP