Argentina’s Mariano Galarza banned for nine weeks

Argentina lock Mariano Galarza has received a nine-week ban and will miss the remainder of the World Cup. Galarza was cited for making contact “with the eye or eye area” of New Zealand forward Brodie Retallick during Sunday’s Pool C game at Wembley.

In a statement, Rugby World Cup Limited said: "Galarza denied the act of foul play. Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, the judicial officer upheld the citing.

“With respect to the sanction, the judicial officer deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of 12 weeks. Due to the need to deter such acts of foul play, he added an additional period of one week.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including his excellent disciplinary record, the judicial officer reduced the suspension to a period of nine weeks.”

Galarza cannot play again until November 26th, which means the Gloucester forward will also miss some club rugby as his suspension does not expire until more than three weeks after the World Cup final.

The player has 48 hours in which to appeal once he has received the written decision.

Recovered Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade has made three changes in the forwards

for tomorrow’s Pool C match against Georgia in Gloucester.

Matias Alemanno comes in at lock for Guido Petti, who has not recovered from a knock to the head he sustained during his try-scoring performance in the 26-16 defeat to New Zealand.

In the back row, Juan Manuel Leguizamon comes in at blindside flanker for Pablo Matera, who drops to the bench, and Facundo Isa replaces the injured Leonardo Senatore at number eight.

Javier Ortega Desio is brought in for the suspended Galarza on the replacements bench.

Georgia coach Milton Haig has kept faith with the team that upset Tonga.

Fullback Merab Kvirikashvili maintains his record of playing in every one of Georgia’s World Cup matches, making his 14th appearance and ninth start in the match at Kingsholm.