Argentina's Leonardo Senatore faces biting charge
Tight and physical clash with South Africa is marred by the send-off of Leonardo Senatore, who could land a four-year suspension
Argentina loose forward Leonardo Senatore has been cited for allegedly biting the arm of South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth in their Rugby Championship clash.
The Springboks won the tight encounter in Argentina 22-17 but were unhappy with incidents in the game, with flank Francois Louw also claiming an attempted eye-gouging. Pablo Matera has been cited for that incident.
"Senatore is alleged to have contravened Law 10.4 (m) Acts contrary to good sportsmanship when he allegedly bit Eben Etzebeth," tournament governing body Sanzar said yesterday.
"Upon further review of the match footage, the citing commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the red-card threshold for foul play."
Sanzar offered no details of when the disciplinary hearing would be held. The International Rugby Board's minimum ban for players found guilty of biting is 12 weeks, with a maximum sanction of four years.
The Springboks faced a shock defeat before two late second-half penalties from flyhalf Morne Steyn gave them the win over a vastly improved Argentina.