Israel Folau in the air, against England

Australian Wallabies star Israel Folau is battling to be fit for their final Pool A clash – the table-topping decider with Wales.

Assistant coach Stephen Larkham delivered the bad news to the media.

Folau, lynchpin of the Wallabies formidable backline, did not train on Monday, but got a run out on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old is still feeling the effects of the knock to the ankle that forced him to quit the action in the devastating 33 / 13 defeat they inflicted on hosts England last Saturday.

While he is still in the game to play the Welsh, little hope is given to wing Rob Horne, who left the England match in the 10th minute because of a shoulder injury.

“Israel has a sore ankle and didn’t train yesterday (Monday) and we will see how he pulls up today (Tuesday),” said Larkham, who was the flyhalf for the Wallabies 1999 World Cup winners.

“Rob is still on the injured list and unlikely to play.”

Michael Hooper

Wallabies flank Michael Hooper has been suspended for 1 week after pleading guilty to an act of Foul Play contrary to Law 10.4(h) (dangerous charging).

Following a review of video footage, Hooper was cited by Independent Citing Commissioner Steve Hinds (New Zealand) under Law 10.4(h) for charging into a ruck or maul without the use of arms or grasping the player Mike Brown during the 39th minute of Australia’s World Cup 2015 Pool A match against England at Twickenham on 3 October.

The hearing, 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 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 2 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including his early admission, good conduct during the hearing, good character and the absence of any off-field aggravating factors, he was suspended for a period of 1 week.

In the context of the Tournament a week equates to 1 match. The suspension takes effect immediately, therefore Hooper is suspended for Australia’s final Pool A match against Wales on 10 October.

He is free to resume playing for Australia’s quarterfinal. The player has 48 hours in which to appeal from the time he receives the full decision.

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