Cooper banned after dangerous tackle
Key Australian rugby player Quade Cooper, has been banned for two weeks following a dangerous tackle in his team's 30-13 win over South Africa.
Cooper was seen to be lifting Morne Steyn dangerously off of the ground during the game and this has since been classed as unacceptable by the people who control the game.
It will come as a slight blow to the Aussies but it will not be the end of the world. They proved they have plenty of fire and energy, which they can use to make up for any lack in class.
It's important to examine the blow this is likely to have on the Australian team ahead of further very important Tri Nations matches. However, it could equally work in their favour because it's clear that many members of the Wallabies side believe the two week ban is over the top.
Blow
The reason this news is a blow to Australia is because Cooper is one of the better players in the side. He is one of the few Aussie players who can turn a game around inside a matter of minutes.
It will also force the coach Robbie Deans in to some difficult selection choices ahead of the next game. Deans will be mulling over one or two players but he would have preferred to stick with a settled and balanced side.
This news could put the Aussies on the back foot because there will be other players in the side who do not want to be banned. They will be less likely to dive for the ball and tackle opponents for the worry that their challenge will be deemed too physical or harsh.
Deans said: "Obviously Quade's disappointed, we're disappointed but we're in the process now of contemplating where to go from here. It obviously means that we're posed with a different challenge I guess, but it will still be a significant challenge that we'll bring to Melbourne."
The team is contesting the ban, but it's unclear that they'll get what they want.
Plus
There are a few ways that this could news have a beneficial effect on the team. One or two players will not agree with the ban and they will be very frustrated by it. This ensures that the Aussies will put in a very passionate and determined display in their next game.
The side will be a lot more compact and difficult to break down in the next game. This is because Cooper allowed them to get forward and take risks, which is something they are now less likely to do. When you combine this with the amount of determination in the side, it will mean that Australia play from the back first to make sure they don't concede many points.
Deans added: "He's a tough bloke and he's a great bloke and he deserves a lot. He will get a lot. He will be rewarded as an individual he's just paying forward, I guess."
Betting advice
Australia impressed a lot of people with the nature of their win over South Africa. Cooper played a big part in this win and his absence is likely to have some sort of impact during the next Australia game.
You can always back them to do well and you shouldn't be put off by the fact they now have a key player missing. The winning margin could be greatly reduced in their next game but they do still stand a very good chance of winning.
Take a close look at the replacement that comes in because he will be chomping at the bit to make an impression. He will be likely to play as hard as possible to try and fill Cooper's role, and will have a fresh set of legs with which to do so.
Tags: