Argentina’s Senatore and Matera cited for foul play

South Africa endure a torrid test in Mendoza

South Africa’s Duane Vermeulen  avoids a tackle from Argentina’s Juan Manuel Legizamon (7) during the Rugby Championship test match in Mendoza. Photo: Daniel Salvatori/Reuters
South Africa’s Duane Vermeulen avoids a tackle from Argentina’s Juan Manuel Legizamon (7) during the Rugby Championship test match in Mendoza. Photo: Daniel Salvatori/Reuters

Argentina loose-forwards Leonardo Senatore and Pablo Matera have been cited for foul play during Saturday's 22-17 Rugby Championship loss to South Africa in Mendoza.

Senatore has been cited for allegedly sinking his teeth into the arm of South Africa lock Eban Etzebeth while South African flank Francois Louw accused Metera of gouging his eyes.

A mauling of the kind Argentina suffered in Soweto eight days ago might have led to critics wondering if it was such a good move to invite the Pumas into The Rugby Championship.

But South Africa coach Heneke Meyer, whose side inflicted that big 73-13 wound, had no doubts Argentina are where they should be after the Springboks narrowly escaped defeat on Saturday.

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“They played very well and deserve to be in this kind of competition,” said Meyer.

Argentina started in determined fashion. They took the lead following an early Juan Manuel Leguizamon try and led until eight minutes from time.

However indiscipline allowed fly-half Morne Steyn to steal victory for South Africa with two penalties, taking his tally to 17 points.