Wallabies flag Quade Cooper yellow card appeal

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says the side will consider appealing Quade Cooper’s yellow card.

The flyhalf was sent to the sin bin in the 15th minute for a high tackle on Uruguay halfback Agustin Ormaechea, in an incident that continues his mixed World Cup history.

Cheika defended his playmaker and said from his initial viewings of the tackle, it looked like Cooper’s arm made contact with Ormaechea’s shoulder and flagged the possibility of appealing the decision.

“I’m pretty sure that there is an appeals process around yellow cards and we will appeal that yellow card,” he said.

“We felt the hit was across the shoulder and there was no intent whatsoever to do that,” he said.

“I thought it was too harsh on him.”

While Cheika disputed the decision, he didn’t point fingers at the referees for their handling of the situation, with high tackles a priority for officiators.

“I understand where the ref was coming from too, they’re doing the best for the safety of the game. I understand that and in the heat of the moment it’s fine.”

Cheika said the staff would review the footage further on Sunday and make a final decision.

“When we look at it on video, we’ll probably appeal,” he said.

“It may not be overturned (and) we’d only do it if it was the right thing to do.”

After coming back on, Cooper played a key role in a handful of Australia’s tries, including an exceptional show of footwork leading to a Matt Toomua try in the 71st minute.

The 27-year-old kicked five of his 11 conversion attempts in Australia’s 62-point win on Sunday and was practising shots after the game.

Cooper is locked in a selection battle with NSW flyhalf Bernard Foley for a spot in next Saturday’s must-win England clash.