ARU to appeal Cooper ban

Wallabies seek to get fly-half's suspension lifted

Last updated: 26th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

ARU to appeal Cooper ban

Cooper tackles Steyn in Brisbane

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The Australian Rugby Union have confirmed that they will appeal against the two-week ban meted out to Quade Cooper for a dangerous tackle against South Africa.

Cooper received the suspension after he was adjudged to have lifted Morne Steyn in a tackle during the second half of the Wallabies' 30-13 victory over South Africa on Saturday.

As things stand, the fly-half will not be available for next weekend's Tri-Nations clash against great rivals New Zealand.

However, Australia are hoping to now see the ban overturned to allow Cooper to play in Melbourne.

The appeal, lodged on Monday, is likely to be heard via a phone link-up in Sydney on Wednesday by three judicial officers - one from each Tri-Nations country.

New Zealand currently lead the Tri-Nations tournament with 10 points after two bonus-point wins over South Africa and will be playing their first away match of the campaign when they travel to Melbourne on Saturday.

Australia stand second in the competition with four points, while defending champions South Africa are pointless after three defeats in their first three outings.