AUSTRALIA FLANKER MICHAEL Hooper will miss Saturday’s World Cup game against Wales after pleading guilty to a foul play charge – but will be available for the Wallabies’ quarter-final.
Vice-captain Hooper was cited under Law 10.4(h) for charging in to Mike Brown as he stood part of a ruck near the end of the first-half of the Wallabies’ win over England at Twickenham.
Referee Romaine Poite awarded a penalty at the time but Hooper was not yellow carded for the incident.
However, independent commissioner Steve Hinds summoned the 23-year-old for a disciplinary hearing this morning and although the offence usually carries a recommended punishment of two weeks, Hooper escaped with a one week suspension.
In a statement, World Rugby explained the reasons for Hooper’s reduced punishment.
“Hooper was suspended by independent judicial officer Alan Hudson (Canada) in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2015 disciplinary process,” it read.
“With respect to the sanction, the judicial officer determined that the offence was low-end, which has an entry point of two weeks.
“However, taking into account mitigating factors including his early admission, good conduct during the hearing and good character and the absence of any off-field aggravating factors, the player was suspended for a period of one week.
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Michael Cheika could now be without three players for Saturday’s showdown at Twickenham.
Fullback Israel Folau is a major doubt as he recovers from an ankle injury while winger Rob Horne is definitely out with a shoulder complaint.
“He came off the field in the game with a bit of a sore ankle and didn’t train yesterday. We’re going to wait and see how he pulls up today,” attacking coach Stephen Larkham said.
“Not even sure if he’s going to train today.”
Victory would secure top-spot in Pool A for Australia and set-up a quarter-final clash with either Scotland or Japan.
Surely hurting Mike Brown counts as “good behaviour “
As I said last week Pom was lucky it was sorted on Sunday or he could have got the same
You can still be cited if you receive a card.
As Chris no doubt understands. The point is you’re less likely to be. POM’s offence was a YC offence, so he was punished appropriately. Had it been a RC offence, he could still be cited.
Rugby getting a little too soft. Instances similar to Hooper’s occur numerous times in every match. Both players were grand, penalty given, move on. Where is Burgess’s citing after his swinging arm? Further evidence of how ridiculous the citing commission is.
Still Australia have McMahon who is an absolute unit. If the Wallabies were to pick a position to have an injury or suspension and test their depth it would be at number 7.
Izzy’s injury is a little more of a concern though.. Beale is a fine replacement who has punished the welsh before but Folau is the best fb in the world.
Burgess has been cited.
Any link? Sky and bbc at last viewing said he escaped citing but was
“warned”
no just a warning
I thought at the time it was very reckless and was lucky to escape
Good decision. No point in having the better players out for the knock out rounds.
no one wants to see the best players out for the latter stages, but if you r foolish enough to involve yourself in dangerous play you have to face the music. Hooper used his get out of jail card. lucky boy.
Bit of a moment of carelessness from Pom as he was having a great game , your right cris he’s lucky it was put of the way on Sunday, we need everybody