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MENDOZA: Wallaby flanker Michael Hooper could be in danger of missing the Bledisloe Test in Sydney after being cited in the wake of Australia's 34-9 win over the Pumas in Argentina.
Hooper has been put in the book for an alleged strike on Pumas five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez in the 59th minute of The Rugby Championship match at Estadio Malvinas.
Hooper has just set up Dean Mumm on the right wing and was trailing in support as Sanchez appeared to grab his jersey in a bid to hold him back.
Footage then shows Hooper lashing out at Sanchez, swinging around and making contact with the Argentinian playmaker.
A SANZAR statement said Hooper "is alleged to have contravened Law 10.4 (a) Punching or striking, when he made contact with Argentina fly half, Nicolas Sanchez in an incident that occurred in the 59th minute of the match between Argentina and Australia at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza on 25 July 2015."
Tough shift: Michael Hooper in action in Mendoza. Photo: Getty Images
The case will be overseen by SANZAR duty official Chris Morris. Hooper can plead guilty and have the matter dealt with quickly or the Wallabies may roll the dice and elect to fight the charges.
Hooper has been excellent for the Wallabies over the first two games of The Rugby Championship and his absence would be a substantial blow to their chances against the All Blacks.