Courtney Lawes handed two-game ban for striking

Courtney Lawes has been given a two-game ban for striking Argentina’s Mario Ledesma in England's opening World Cup match last Saturday.

The Northampton Saints flanker will miss games against Georgia and Romania, but will return for the match against Scotland.

“It is a fast-moving game he had gone in to make what he believed was a try-saving tackle. We thought any contact was coincidental, but they have seen it differently,” said England team manager Martin Johnson.

“It is what it is. The good thing for us squad-wise is that we are going to have to play players.

“We don’t want players not playing at all then asking them to play in the knockout stages without playing.”

England have 48 hours to appeal the decision and take on Georgia on Sunday.