Cooper Banned for Two Weeks for Dangerous Rugby Tackle

July 30 - Australia's aspirations of winning the Tri Nations rugby event were dampened this week after Quade Cooper had a two week suspension appeal dismissed.

Wallabie flyhalf Cooper was originally banned from playing for a fortnight following a dangerous tackle against South African Morne Steyn during a match in Brisbane last weekend.

Australia went on to win Saturday's match 30-13

He appealed the suspension but after a lengthy hearing, it was dismissed.

"Quade Cooper's original suspension imposed by the judicial officer stands and he remains ineligible for selection for two weeks up to including Sunday 8 August, 2010," said an official statement by the South Africa New Zealand and Australia Rugby.

Cooper's suspension means that he will not be able to play against the All Blacks in Melbourne this weekend, nor in the return match the following week.

This is a major blow to Australia and could seriously affect the team's chances to win the Tri Nations.

Cooper is not the only player who was suspended this season. South African Jaque Fourie received a tougher four week suspension for a tackle in the same match against Australian Richard Brown.

However, Fourie will only miss one Tri Nations test because of the way events have been scheduled.

Fourie became the third South African to be banned for foul play during this year's Tri Nations, placing mounting pressure on the team which has failed to take a point  from its away matches until now.

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