Contepomi out of Ireland clash

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi will miss the weekend Test against Ireland because of an infection.

The Leinster centre, who can also play at fly-half, will sit out Saturday's Croke Park encounter after Pumas doctor Guillermo Botto confirmed the problem.

'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.'

Despite picking up the cut 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.

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