Hooper hopeful

THE Wallabies are confident key flanker Michael Hooper can escape suspension for striking when he fronts the SANZAR judiciary tonight.

Hooper was cited on Monday for an off- theball incident involving Pumas halfback Nicolas Sanchez in the second half of the Wallabies’ win in Mendoza.

Reacting to being held back in support of Dean Mumm, Hooper swung around and appeared to collect his rival on the shoulders, knocking him to the ground.

The Wallabies believe Hooper used an open hand and has a good case to be exonerated. If he cops a suspension – and striking has an entry point of two weeks – Hooper will likely miss the Wallabies’ clash with New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday week.