Pumas lose injured Fernández Lobbe

Argentina vice-captain Juan Fernández Lobbe will miss the rest of the Rugby World Cup with a knee injury.

The joy of Argentina's nail-biting 13-12 victory over Scotland on Sunday was tempered by the news that the tear in Fernández Lobbe's left cruciate ligament that forced him off the field will now force him out of the tournament.

The news was announced at a press conference in Wellington on Monday, minutes before the team departed for Palmerston North, where they will meet Georgia in their final Pool B match at Arena Manawatu on Sunday.

Fernández Lobbe felt his knee give way as he made for the breakdown, with Argentina 3-0 up against the Scots.

No replacement has been named as yet, though coach Santiago Phelan may well call on Agustín Guzmán.

It has not been decided whether Fernández Lobbe will remain with the team or return home to have surgery. The setback is likely to keep the Toulon Top 14 player on the sidelines for six months.

Having already lost Gonzalo Tiesi, who sprained an ankle in the earlier match against England, it is another blow Argentina could have done without.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Roncero, who tore a muscle in his left thigh, is expected to recover within the next few days.

Juan Manuel Leguizamón sprained his ankle and received a blow to the eye against Scotland but his injuries are not regarded as serious, while captain Felipe Contepomi will have the rest of the week to recover from sore ribs.

The only other worry may be Mario Ledesma, who was seen with a bandaged arm shortly before the team left for Palmerston North.