Quinlan cited

THE AVAILABILITY of Alan Quinlan for Saturday's vital Test match against Argentina at Croke Park is in doubt after the Munster flanker was cited yesterday for stamping on Rodney So'oialo in the 22-3 defeat to New Zealand.

All Black prop Tony Woodcock was also called to appear before an IRB disciplinary committee after citing officer Peter Larter (RFU) upgraded his 43rd minute yellow card for striking Irish hooker Rory Best.

Under IRB sanction 10.4b (stamping an opponent) a player can be suspended from two to 52 weeks, that being the worst and highly unlikely scenario. If considered a mid-range offence, Quinlan could receive five weeks, while the top end starts at nine weeks.

The alleged stamp was shown on replay during the game and Quinlan did make contact with the player's body. Although referee Mark Lawrence warned captain Brian O'Driscoll about foul play, Ireland were still awarded the penalty. No date has been set for Quinlan's hearing but it is expected to take place in the IRB's Dublin offices tomorrow afternoon.

As a result of this and injury concerns surrounding Paul O'Connell, Best and Geordan Murphy, Ireland coach Declan Kidney will only release a squad (probably 25-man) at lunchtime today with an asterisk beside the aforementioned players. The starting XV will now be named on Thursday.

Pacific Islands wing Napolioni Nalaga will also face a hearing in Paris today following his sending off against France when a high tackle left scrumhalf Jean Baptiste Ellisalde unconscious.