Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan will miss Saturday's match with Argentina after his appeal against a three-week suspension was rejected by the International Rugby Board (IRB) on Friday.

Quinlan was originally handed the ban for stamping on All Blacks star Rodney So'oialo in the 22-3 defeat by New Zealand last Saturday.

The 34-year-old was only cautioned at the time but citing officer Peter Larter decided the stamp warranted further scrutiny and IRB disciplinary officer Lorne Crerar, who said Quinlan should have been red-carded, imposed the suspension with immediate effect.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has called in Donnacha Ryan to take Quinlan's place among his replacements.

Quinlan's absence is a blow to Ireland, who need to beat the Pumas to guarantee their place among the second seeds for next month's draw for the 2011 World Cup.

They may feel hard-done-by as All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, who was also cited on a charge of striking during the same match, escaped further action earlier this week and was cleared to play against Wales.

Ireland (15-1):

Geordan Murphy; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Luke Fitzgerald, Robert Kearney; Ronan O'Gara, Thomas O'Leary; Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Stephen Ferris; Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan; John Hayes, Jerry Flannery, Marcus Horan

Replacements: Rory Best, Tony Buckley, Malcolm O'Kelly, Donnacha Ryan, Eoin Reddan, Paddy Wallace, Keith Earls

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP