Argentina’s Matera to miss Italy clash after red card ban

Inspirational loose forward Pablo Matera will miss Argentina’s November test against Italy in Udine after being banned for two weeks for a red card offence committed in the last match of the Rugby Championship.

Blindside flanker Matera was sent off in the 56th minute of Argentina’s 48-7 loss to the Springboks in Nelspruit in late September for a dangerous clear-out at the ruck on South Africa prop Vincent Koch.

“The disciplinary committee has determined that the actions in question meet the criteria for a red card,” read a statement from governing body SANZAAR.

“Therefore, the player is suspended up to and including 10 November 2024.”

Matera, who has helped the Pumas to wins over France, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia this year, will be available to face top-ranked Ireland in Dublin and the French in Paris in Argentina’s other two November internationals.