Pablo Matera will miss Argentina’s Test against Italy after Sanzaar’s disciplinary committee gave the flanker a light suspension for his red card against the Springboks.

Matera saw red for charging into a ruck in the 56th minute of Argentina’s 48-7 Rugby Championship defeat to South Africa in Mbombela on 28 September.

The disciplinary committee upheld the red card.

“The player made contact without binding on to another player in the ruck and striking an opponent’s head with their shoulder at speed,” Sanzaar said on Tuesday.

“These actions are deemed to constitute ‘foul play’ as per the new directive, thereby warranting a two-week suspension.

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

The ban rules out the firebrand former captain from the 9 November clash against Italy in Udine.

He will be available for the Tests against Ireland in Dublin on 15 November and France in Paris on 23 November.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images/Getty Images