Italian loosehead props Andrea Lovotti and Nicola Quaglio were handed a three-match suspension each for their involvement in a tip-tackle on Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen.

Lovotti and Quaglio were both involved in a dangerous tackle on Vermeulen during the Springboks’ win over Italy in Shizuoka on Friday, but referee Wayne Barnes determined that Lovotti was mostly to blame and showed him a red card while Quaglio escaped punishment.

However, both players were cited by the citing commissioner John Montgomery.

Lovotti and Quaglio pleaded not guilty, but the judiciary panel ruled that the act warranted two red cards. And because it was deemed an entry-point offence, the duo was banned for three games each.

They will now miss the Italy’s last pool match against the All Blacks and if Italy don’t qualify for the playoffs, the remainder of their sanction will be served in the Pro14.

WATCH: Italy prop’s tip tackle

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