Contepomi out for Argentina

Argentina have been dealt the serious blow of losing Leinster's Felipe Contepomi ahead of Saturday's Test Match against Ireland.

"Felipe Contepomi is suffering from an infection as a result of a cut on his right hand," said Pumas doctor Guillermo 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."

Contepomi, himself a doctor, suffered the infection before the first game of Argentina's European tour.

Contepomi still started the 12-6 defeat in France on November 8 and the 22-14 win against Italy a week later before the infection reared again.