ARGENTINA ARE WITHOUT a win in the 2013 Rugby Championship and, to make matters worse, claims of eye-gouging and biting have left a deep, distasteful impression.
South Africa defeated Los Pumas in their opening two matches of the southern hemisphere tournament but were incensed at two incidents in their 22-17 victory. Springbok captain Jean de Villiers was adamant with referee Steve Walsh that teammates Francois Louw and Eben Etzebeth were respectively gouged and bit.
The former Munster centre demanded on-field retribution but Walsh admitted he was unsighted on both occasions.
Argentina forward Pablo Matera has been found not guilty of ‘eye gouging’ in the same game, according to a SANZAR statement said. Louw accused fellow flanker Matera of the offence five minutes into the second half of the Mendoza Test.
The alleged incident went unnoticed by referee Steve Walsh and the television match official could find no evidence of ‘eye gouging’ during video replays.
Judicial officer Terry Willis, appointed by the Championship organisers to judge the complaint, said he was not satisfied there was contact with the eyes or eye gouging. You can check out the two incidents in question here:
YouTube credit: Rugbydump Clips
The verdict frees Matera to be included in the Pumas squad to be announced for Tests in New Zealand on 7 September and Australia the following week.
Another Argentine, Number 8 Leonardo Senatore, was accused of biting by South African lock Etzebeth. That case is scheduled to be heard later today.
Leinster fullback Zane Kirchner has been included in the Springbok squad for the upcoming away games against Australia and the All Blacks.
- Additional reporting © AFP,2013
