Rugby World Cup: Australia's Hooper cited, could miss Wales game

Michael Hooper of Australia looks on during a training session at Dulwich College. Photo / Getty

David Pocock and Michael Hooper could be headed for Splitsville.

Temporarily at least.

The dynamic Wallabies partnership, which has seen Pocock moving to number eight from his usual openside role, is under threat with his partner-in-crime a chance of suspension for an illegal cleanout of a ruck in the World Cup win over England at Twickenham.

Hooper has been cited for charging into a ruck in the 39th minute, when he ploughed into England fullback Mike Brown

He was penalised for the incident and will face a hearing tonight NZT.

Having to break up the combination of Pocock and Hooper would be a spanner in the works for Australia but depending on the length of any ban handed down should the hearing not go his way, it will allow him to be fresh for three weeks of knockout rugby.

"Not being disrespectful to Hooper, because he's obviously fantastic in his ability but if you look at the capabilities of the other squad members that can step in and fill his spot...Sean McMahon...he was man of the match last time he played us" said Wales forwards coach Rob McBryde.

While the news of Hooper's citing came two hours after the Wallabies wrapped up their early-morning session, often forgotten member of the triumvirate Scott Fardy praised his teammates.

"They're both magnificent players, very easy for me to play alongside them. Very easy to get lost behind the two".

"They're doing hard work as well; they're just getting the glory." Fardy joked. "I don't get much but I've got other roles to do".

Australia is monitoring wing Rob Horne's fitness through the week after he left the field with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Kurtley Beale.

Assistant coach Nathan Grey says the scan results were better than they thought and they'll trust the medical staff over the right way forward.

Wales is likely to have the rare luxury of an entirely fit 31-man squad to choose from, with prop Paul James expected to return to full training this week after suffering a calf strain.