Michael Hooper suspended for Wales clash

Influential Australia flanker Michael Hooper will miss the Wallabies' World Cup Pool A decider against Wales on Saturday due to suspension.

Hooper was cited following Australia’s 33-13 victory over England for  charging into a ruck or maul without the use of arms or grasping the player (in this instance, England full-back Mike Brown). 

World Rugby said in a statement that Hooper admitted the offence. He has been banned for one week.

The incident happened just before half-time during Saturday’s game against Twickenham but Hooper avoided any additional punishment at the time apart from conceding a penalty.

Hooper must now sit out the Wales encounter but will be available for next week's quarter-final, with Australia set to face either Scotland, Japan or South Africa depending on this weekend’s results in Pool B. 

In a statement, World Rugby said: "The hearing (on Tuesday) related to a consideration of sanction only, given the admission of the act of foul play by the player. 

"Hooper was suspended by independent judicial officer Alan Hudson (Canada) in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2015 disciplinary process. 

"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.

"In the context of the Rugby World Cup tournament, a week equates to one match. The suspension takes effect immediately, therefore Hooper is suspended for Australia's final Pool A match against Wales on October 10. He is free to resume playing for Australia's quarter-final."

Australia could also be without Israel Folau for the Wales clash after the fullback suffered a minor ankle injury during the England game.

 The 26-year-old Waratahs cornerstone did not train on Monday and Australia's coaching staff are monitoring him closely in the run up to Saturday’s fixture. 

"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," Wallabies attack coach Stephen Larkham told reporters.

"We are not even sure if he's going to train today."

Wing Rob Horne, meanwhile, is definitely out of contention for the Wales match due to a shoulder injury that forced him off early against England. Either Drew Mitchell or Joe Tomane is expected to deputize for the Waratahs winger. 

If Folau is to misses out against Wales, Kurtley Beale is the front-runner to replace him.