Hooper's ban heightens focus on Australia's backrow vs Wales

Bit of a beat-up this. With Hooper sitting out, all Wales will have to content with is two top-class flankers instead of three. Fardy is no slouch either. Moreover, both McCalman and McMahon are potent weapons, the latter showing great flair in the Wallabies demotion of Uruguay in the pool game.

That all being said, however, Hooper has a bit of a history of "rushes of blood" to the head going back to when he started with the Brumbies. Although a bordering on becoming a superstar, somebody needs to whisper in his ear.

Finally, I don't know why he was cited by the match referee. The incident in question was seen by the referee, judged by the TMO and penalized accordingly. It is not like this is something that occurred off the ball. Indeed, if Hooper is to be cited, why aren't the two English players in the second-half incident not getting the same treatment. In particular, the high-tackle against Hooper is a candidate for review, considering that the IRB Referees' Committee has specifically targeted such incidents in this tournament.

It's going to be a very close game. Australia have a history of a long sequence of wins against Wales - but as they showed against England, anything can happen on the day. Australia will be wanting to win this, to avoid the same scenario as the 2011 WC knockout stages. (Springboks followed by the All Blacks) Wales has their injuries - but they also have a top-class coach in Gatland. Fingers crossed

I may be wrong, but I think the pic shows Hoops with his proud Mum and Dad. Don't usually follow rugby union, but I'm getting enthused by Mr.Cheika and this team. C'mon Aussies!