MELBOURNE, Australia - A review panel has rejected Quade Cooper's appeal against a two-match suspension for a dangerous tackle during Australia's Tri-Nations win over South Africa last weekend, confirming he'll miss two Tests against New Zealand.
After a five-hour meeting, the SANZAR judicial committee upheld the Australian fly half's ban for a dangerous tackle on Morne Steyn in Australia's 30-13 win in Brisbane.
Cooper will miss Tests against the All Blacks in Melbourne on Saturday and in New Zealand the following week.
He has been replaced in Australia's starting lineup by Berrick Barnes at inside centre, with Matt Giteau switching to fly half.