Quinlan out of Pumas clash

Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Argentina after receiving a three-week ban for stamping.

Quinlan will be available from December 7 after a disciplinary hearing held in Dublin on Wednesday decided the offence should have been punished with a red card.

The Munster back row was cited for a stamp on All Black number eight Rodney So'oialo in last Saturday's 22-3 defeat at Croke Park.

Referee Mark Lawrence spotted the incident yet only cautioned the 34-year-old and allowed a penalty against New Zealand to stand.

But citing officer Peter Larter decided the stamp warranted further scrutiny, resulting in a temporary end to Quinlan's Ireland comeback.

Quinlan, who has the right to appeal, would have featured in Ireland's back row against the Pumas.

He won his 27th cap on Saturday, finally forcing his way back into the starting line-up after becoming marginalised during the previous regime under Eddie O'Sullivan.

The combative forward's physicality was deemed essential against the All Blacks, but he must now wait until the RBS 6 Nations begins in February for his next opportunity in a green jersey.

Ulster's Stephen Ferris, a substitute at Croke Park last Saturday, is likely to take his place when the team is announced on Thursday morning with Malcolm O'Kelly plugging the gap on the bench.