Australia's management is set to appeal the two-week ban against Quade Cooper for a tip tackle in Saturday's win over South Africa.

While the guilt and the ban are pretty indefensible, the Australian management might have found a legal loophole in the comments of SANZAR juducial officer Bruce Squire as he compared Cooper's offence to Jean de Villiers' last week.

"This is consistent application in terms of like penalties for like offences," Squire said.

But Australia's point is that consistency would mean Cooper missed only one Tri-Nations match, as is the case with De Villiers' two weeks and indeed, the four weeks handed out to Jaque Fourie for the same offence. If the ban is reduced on appeal, Cooper would be set to at least face New Zealand in New Zealand next week.

Before the team headed to Melbourne yesterday, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he was considering an appeal, which must be lodged within 48 hours of the suspension.

"Obviously Quade's disappointed and we're disappointed, but we're in the process now of contemplating where to go from here," Deans said.

Standing nearby was Cooper, who admitted to being in a state of shock, especially as he was eagerly anticipating his first Test against the All Blacks.

"To come off a good hard win over the Boks last night and to come here is very disappointing, but at the same time I'm just looking forward to getting back on the field as soon as possible," Cooper said.

planetrugby.com

25/07/2010