Wallabies backrower Michael Hooper has been cited for an alleged shoulder charge during Australia's 33-13 win over England at the Rugby World Cup, a decision that could force a reshuffle of Australia's backrow for the Pool A decider against Wales this weekend.
The 23-year-old openside flanker was penalized during the Twickenham match on Saturday for charging into a ruck just before halftime and clearing out England fullback Mike Brown without the use of his arms, but didn't receive a yellow card.
Citing commissioner Steve Hinds of New Zealand reviewed video of the match and on Monday charged the Wallabies vice-captain. Hooper, who has 48 test caps, is set to face a hearing on Tuesday morning in London, and should know the findings within 24 hours.
Hooper made his test debut in 2012 and became a mainstay in the Wallabies backrow after David Pocock was injured and sidelined for long periods. He rose to the captaincy last season when a series of senior players were injured and unavailable. And even with Pocock back to his best this season, Hooper held onto the openside spot and forced Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to redesign his backrow to have them both in the starting lineup for the World Cup — with Pocock shifting to No. 8.
What they lack in size, they make up for in speed and ability to turn over the ball, while blindside Scott Fardy adds bulk to the backrow trio.
The ban could range from two weeks if Hooper is found to have a case to answer, putting him in jeopardy for Saturday's match against Wales and possibly the quarterfinals.
If Hooper was banned, Cheika has the option of bringing in another openside such as 21-year-old Sean McMahon, or returning Pocock to the side of the scrum and bringing in a new No. 8 in a more conventional backrow combination.
Two other players received official cautions but were not cited for weekend infringements.
England replacement centre Sam Burgess was reprimanded for a dangerous tackle in the 71st minute against Australia in a collision that occurred around the same time as flyhalf Owen Farrell was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Australian centre Matt Giteau. Samoa's Ofisa Treviranus was warned for a dangerous tackle in the 57th minute of his team's loss to Japan.
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