The Pumas could be without Juan Cruz Mallia for their remaining Rugby World Cup preparation matches pending the outcome of an investigation by SANZAAR.
The No.5 is under the microscope for a brutal hit he made on Springboks debutant Grant Williams just 10 seconds into the final match of this year’s Rugby Championship.
Cruz Mallia came flying in – attempting to charge the ball down – and appeared to make hip-to-head contact with Williams, rendering him unconscious.
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The No.9 was ruled out of the contest as a result.
Incredibly, the incident seemingly went unnoticed by the referee and no penalty was given, allowing the Argentine player to remain on the field.
All told, Argentina lost 22-21 to South Africa in a thrilling contest.
Now, SANZAAR has stepped in and confirmed it has launched an investigation for what it says was a red card offence.
“Juan Cruz Mallia of Argentina has been cited for alleged foul play during a Rugby Championship match at the weekend,” read a statement.
“Cruz Mallia is alleged to have contravened Law 9.11: Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others, during the match between South Africa and Argentina at Emirates Airlines Park in Johannesburg on 29 July 2023.
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“Upon further review of the match footage, the citing commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the red card threshold for foul play.
“The case is to be considered in the first instance by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee which will take place on Tuesday 1 August via video-conference at 5am(ARG), 10am(SA), 6pm(AUS), 8pm(NZ).
“All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.
“For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.”
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Cruz Mallia could face a match ban. With only two warm-up games before the Rugby World Cup, and given the severity of the incident, he could conceivably miss their opening contest.
Argentina has two warm-up matches scheduled before the Rugby World Cup. The first of those is against the Springboks on August 5 in Buenos Aires.
Argentina will then face Spain for the first time since 1992 in Madrid.
England will be Argentina’s first opponent in the opening Pool D match on September 9 at the Rugby World Cup.
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