Hooper on Gilbert’s tackle

Michael Hooper says Highlanders back Sam Gilbert should “miss some weeks’’ for the reckless tip tackle on the Wallabies captain. Gilbert was given his marching orders in the 29th minute for a tiptackle on Waratahs flanker Hooper at Forsyth Barr Stadium during the Highlanders’ 32-20 loss on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, who had been in good form since his switch to first fiveeighth, now faces a lengthy ban, perhaps for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Hooper felt that Gilbert should face consequences.

“I don’t wish that on anyone,’’ he said in the Sydney Morning Herald.

“These things happen in this game but I was disappointed that it happened to me.

“He (Gilbert) should miss some weeks I think.”

Match officials ruled Gilbert was guilty of an illegal cleanout of Hooper at a ruck.

He lifted Hooper above the horizontal, resulting in the Australian crashing into the turf.

After watching video replays, referee Nic Berry ruled there was “no mitigation’’ and reached for the red card.

Red cards have been a big talking point in Super Rugby Pacific this season, with referees coming under fire for being too harsh, but there could be no quibbling over the punishment meted out to Gilbert.

His decision to lift Hooper, who fell awkwardly on his shoulder and head, didn’t result in any argument from the Highlanders players.

Gilbert will now have his actions scrutinised by the SANZAAR judicial committee and will likely face a suspension of at least three weeks.

As for Hooper, he bounced back from Gilbert’s rash act to later scamper away for a 25m try, his 30th in Super Rugby.

He also had a big game on defence, making 18 tackles.

The score was locked at 7-7 at the time of the Gilbert, but the Waratahs scored two tries soon after and never looked back..