Michael Hooper free to face All Blacks

Michael Hooper
Australia's Michael Hooper is avalible to play in both games against New Zealand
©PA

Australia's Michael Hooper has been handed a one-week ban for striking Argentina's Nicholas Sanchez in the head in last weekend's Rugby Championship match.

This now means that the Australian flanker is available to face New Zealand in back-to-back Tests at the start of August.

The former Wallaby captain cannot play for his club Manly Marlins against Randwick this weekend, but is eligible to re-join the national team for the Rugby Championship decider in Sydney on August 8.

A SANZAR disciplinary hearing decided the blow was struck with an "open hand" and issued a two-week suspension which was halved due to Hooper's previous good record.

"It was found that Hooper, in circumstances of considerable frustration and in order to try and rid himself of his opponent, drew back his free right arm and... struck out at the opponent's head and neck area with his open hand," read judicial officer Nigel Hampton QC.

He added: "I found this match (Manley v Randwick) could not be considered inconsequential and would have meaningful consequence for Hooper given his current competition and rotation within the Australian squad.”

The Wallabies can secure their first piece of southern hemisphere silverware since they won the Tri-Nations in 2011, if they can beat New Zealand in Sydney.

Australia then travel to Auckland the week after to compete for the Bledisloe Cup and victory in that match would see the Wallabies claim the trophy for the first time in 13 years.