Argentina 17 - 22 South Africa, Rugby Championship
Pumas cited for biting and gouging
ESPN Staff
August 25, 2013
Argentina's Leonardo Senatore gets to grips with Willie le Roux, Argentina v South Africa, Rugby Championship, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza, August 24, 2013
Leonardo Senatore will have to answer a charge of biting © Getty Images
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Argentina have two players in the dock for alleged foul play after their 22-17 loss to South Africa on Saturday.

Argentina back-rower Leonardo Senatore has been cited for alleged biting while Pablo Matera is up to answer a charge on allegedly making contact with Francois Louw's eyes. Steve Walsh referred the Matera incident to the TMO during the match but there was no conclusive evidence of foul play.

In Senatore's case, he was charged with contrary conduct by the citing commissioner over a 61st-minute incident in which he allegedly bit Springboks forward Eben Etzebeth. Etzebeth complained at the time to match official Walsh and the referee asked skipper Jean de Villiers whether he wanted to check with the TMO over whether there had been any sign of foul play.

De Villiers told Walsh it was his call and although the Kiwi asked his TMO for his view on the incident, a problem with communication meant Walsh could not get the footage or clarification he required.

The date for the duo's hearing is yet to be confirmed but SANZAR say the Senatore should have received a red card for the alleged incident.

"Senatore is alleged to have contravened Law 10.4 (m) Acts contrary to good sportsmanship when he allegedly bit South African player Eben Etzebeth," tournament governing body SANZAR said in a press release on Sunday. "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."

The International Rugby Board's minimum ban for players found guilty of biting is 12 weeks, with a maximum sanction of four years.

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