Injured Wallaby Simmons out of All Blacks Test

SYDNEY August 3 Australia were dealt a blow ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against old foes New Zealand after lock Rob Simmons was ruled out of the Sydney showdown because of a wrist injury.

SANZAR, the governing body of southern hemisphere rugby, launched an appeal on Friday against Hooper’s punishment for striking Argentina’s Nicolas Sanchez in last weekend’s Test in Mendoza.

It was agreed Hooper would serve this suspension by missing Manly’s club rugby semi-final on Saturday against Randwick.

“I know it’s disappointing for Rob (Simmons) and he really wanted to play but I just think it is a great chance for someone else”, Cheika said.

SANZAR were not the only organisation to appeal the ban, with the ARU lodging an appeal of their own, saying the ban was made in error. “It’s been a little bit tough but I have been preparing as if I’ve been right to play, of course pending selection, and trying to get into the team for this week”.

As such, the player’s suspension from all forms of the game for one week was confirmed.

Sanzar took the unusual step of appealing the decision of its own judiciary, citing it as inadequate, but the appeals committee Sunday found in Hooper’s favour.

The clash will decide this year’s Rugby Championship before the two countries meet again later this month in Auckland for the second match of the Bledisloe Cup.

As for the Bledisloe Cup, Australia need to win or draw the game if they are to regain the coveted trophy which has eluded them since 2003.