Cheika’s sympathy for banned duo

The pair were cited by Australian citing commissioner Scott Nowland over the incident and late on Tuesday found guilty of a unsafe tackle, an initial five-week ban being reduced to three because of mitigating circumstances.

Former Scotland wing Kenny Logan labelled the three-week bans handed to Ford and Gray as “a sick joke” on Wednesday, expressing his belief that inconsistency had been shown in disciplinary decisions throughout the World Cup. “But I don’t think any of us are players who are looking to do dirty things”.

“The Scotland arriving players, No. 5 [Jonny Gray] and No. 2 [Ross Ford] in an attempt to remove the threat to possession as per normal and in the dynamics lifted Samoa No.7’s legs and he tumbled over, however the player [was] supported on his hands throughout”.

Ford was also a first-choice player, and may have played his last World Cup game.

Australia flanker Michael Hooper was banned for seven days following an aggressive clearout of England’s Mike Brown – an offence that normally carries a minimum two-week ban.

“I know Chris Quinlan well and unless he got it wrong by the letter of the law – and Chris is a QC and rugby man – then I don’t think we’ll see them again this tournament. You feel for the players”. I’d much prefer to play No8, it is easier to get into the game and it is my position.

The Wallabies face Scotland at Twickenham on Sunday (Monday 0200AEDT) with the victor to move into a semi-final against either Ireland or Argentina.

“Everyone’s sort of saying how amusing it would be if it did end up that we played Scotland in this quarter-final considering my birthday is Friday”, he said.

Strauss said the squad was focussed on winning what would probably be the biggest game of most of their careers so far. “It doesn’t matter the names on the jerseys”.

“Giteau didn’t train yesterday, but is OK to train today”. “Being a close group of lads we know each other very well and these are two very determined guys”. There is no sense that we can be intimidated by them.

The younger Sio will have a chance to reverse the family fortunes in Australia’s quarter-final on Sunday but the quirk is not lost on him.