Contepomi to miss Ireland match, Quinlan cited

There is concern in both camps ahead of Ireland's crucial meeting with Argentina at Croke Park this weekend. Munster backrow Alan Quinlan is facing a disciplinary hearing after being cited for an alleged stamp on New Zealand number eight Rodney So'oialo, while Pumas centre Felipe Contepomi has been ruled out because of an infection borne out of a cut on his right hand.

The Ireland team will not be revealed until Thursday after it emerged today that Quinlan had been taken to task by citing commisioner Peter Larter of the RFU for his actions in in the 22-3 defeat to the All Blacks last Saturday.

Kidney had initially planned to name his team on Tuesday but the hearing, and concern over dead legs suffered by Paul O'Connell and hooker Rory Best, prompted him to move it back 48 hours, though he will name an enlarged squad tomorrow.

Quinlan is expected to have his case heard in Dublin by judicial officer Lorne Crerar (SRU) on Wednesday afternoon.

Kiwi prop Tony Woodcock also faces a hearing after being cited for striking Ireland hooker Rory Best, an offence referee Mark Lawrence sin-binned him for. In contrast, captain Brian O'Driscoll was warned about Quinlan's behaviour by Lawrence but the penalty still went in Ireland's favour.

Stamping carries a ban of anything between two and 52 weeks, though the latter is highly unlikely in Quinlan's case. Nonetheless, any ban would rule him out of this weekend's third and final autumn Test against Argentina and could prevent him from lining out for Munster when the Magners League and European Cup resume.

Potentially more influential is the loss of Contepomi who is as crucial to the Pumas as he is to Leinster.

A cut on his hand, sustained prior to defeat in France and victory in Italy, has resulted in an infection, according to Argentinean team doctor Guillermo Botto.

"Felipe Contepomi is suffering from an infection as a result of a cut on his right hand," said Botto. "Because of this infection, he underwent a drainage and cleaning at St Vincent's University Hospital.

"The captain of the national team will be unable to play against Ireland on Saturday."

Argentina coach Santiago Phelan is yet to confirm who will replace Contepomi in the team or who will wear the captain's armband.

His absence, though a pity for a player much-admired on these shores, will be a boost for Ireland who need to win the game to remain ahead of Scotland in the IRB rankings before the draw for the World Cup 2011 pool stages.