Rugby World Cup: Michael Hooper banned for Wales showdown

London: Outstanding Australian flanker Michael Hooper will miss the World Cup Pool A table-topping decider with Wales on Saturday after receiving a one week ban for foul play.

The 23-year-old who, with back row partners David Pocock and Scott Fardy, has been pivotal in the Wallabies’ march to the quarter-finals — will be available for the knockout stages, a World Cup disciplinary hearing decided on Tuesday.

Hooper avoided a two-week ban for a shoulder charge into England player Mike Brown during the devastating 33-13 Wallaby victory over hosts England, because of mitigating factors including that he admitted his guilt, a World Rugby statement said.