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Argentina head into autumn series without Pablo Matera after ban
By Josh Raisey
Argentina will be without flanker Pablo Matera for their opening match of the autumn against Italy after he received a suspension for his red card against South Africa in The Rugby Championship.
The former Pumas captain was dismissed by referee Ben O’Keeffe after 56 minutes of the round six clash in this year's Championship for a dangerous clearout of Springbok Vincent Koch.
SANZAAR have since upheld the red card decision, and handed the flanker a two-week suspension, although he will only miss one fixture.
The 31-year-old will miss the encounter at the Stadio Friuli in Udine against the Azzurri, but will be available again from November 10.
Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi will therefore have one of his talismans for clashes against world number one Ireland and France.
"The player made contact without binding on to another player in the ruck and striking an opponent's head with their shoulder at speed," a statement SANZAAR said.
"These actions are deemed to constitute 'foul play' as per the new directive, thereby warranting a two-week suspension.
"Therefore, the player is suspended up to and including November 10."
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Latest Comments
Potential 8 Nations after SA and Georgia Join:
Two seeded groups of 4. League stage (3 matches), Knock out stage (2 matches).
eg
Group 1: Ireland, France, Scotland, Georgia.
Group 2: South Africa, England , Wales, Italy.
Top 4 Cup: Semi Finals, 3rd/4th playoff, Final.
Bottom 4 Plate: Semi Finals, 7th/8th playoff, Final.
Holds some league format, but includes knock out phase also. Great RWC prep.
Go to commentsItaly V Argentina is a very important game. While ranking changes between the 2019 and 2023 tournament played no part in the draw for 2023, rankings at end of 2025 will likely be used for the 2027 draw.
As there are 6 pools in RWC 2027, to get in Band 1 for the draw you need to be in the top #6.
Argentina currently are #6 with 84
Scotland #7 have 82
Italy #8 have circa 80.
Should Argentina lose to Italy they are now in the 82.5 range close to Italy, Scotland and showing Australia a chink of light.
Argentina only lose .5 points by losing to Ireland/France. After the November series there are only 3 International windows left.
Will this factor in Contemponi's analysis and preparation? The Italy match appears to be the real must win.
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