Italian props banned

Prop Andrea Lovotti and replacement Nicola Quaglio will miss Italy’s last World Cup pool match, against New Zealand, plus any potential quarterfinal or semifinal, with both receiving three-match bans for a lifting tackle. Lovotti was sent off for dropping Duane Vermeulen on his head in the 43rd minute of Friday’s game against South Africa, while Quaglio was cited for his involvement in the same tackle. ‘‘If Italy do not progress, the balance of the suspensions will be served in the upcoming PRO14 matches,’’ a judicial committee said. Italian coach Conor O’Shea is already facing a front row crisis. Two of his tighthead props, Simone Ferrari (hamstring) and replacement Marco Riccioni (concussion), had to leave the field inside 18 minutes against the Springboks, leading to uncontested scrums. Unbeaten New Zealand head pool B while Italy are in a tussle with South Africa for the second qualifying place into the quarterfinals.