Argentina, Japan lose players to injury

Argentina's Gonzalo Tiesi is assisted off the field during his side's Rugby World Cup Pool B...
Argentina's Gonzalo Tiesi is assisted off the field during his side's Rugby World Cup Pool B match against England at Otago Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday night. Photo: REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
Argentina centre Gonzalo Tiesi and Japan No 8 Ryukoliniasi Holani have both been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with knee injuries, officials said.

Tiesi damaged right knee ligaments during the Pumas 13-9 Pool B defeat by England, while Japan's Holani was forced from the field in his team's 47-21 loss to France in Pool A at Albany on Saturday.

Japan have called in Totesu Taufa to replace Holani. No replacement had been confirmed for Tiesi.

It was better news for the Pumas, however, with team doctor Guillermo Botto confirming that captain Felipe Contepomi had not suffered a broken rib as had been initially feared.

He only has bruising and his recovery will be monitored over the coming days.

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers, however, said he would need a full medical check on vice-captain Victor Matfield and centre Jean de Villiers before any decision would be made on their injuries.

Both limped off in their 17-16 victory over Wales on Sunday, though de Villiers did not specify what was wrong with either player.

 

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