Australian flanker Michael Hooper gets one-week ban for striking opponent

Australia's Michael Hooper has been given a one-week ban for striking Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez during their Rugby Championship match last weekend.

The flanker came off the bench in the second half and appeared to strike Sanchez in the 59th minute, in a match that ended with a 34-9 victory for the Wallabies.

"It was found that Hooper, in circumstances of considerable frustration and in order to try and rid himself of his opponent, drew back his right arm and... struck out at the opponent's head and neck area with his open hand," said the judicial officer.

"I found no aggravating factors to be present but did find a number of mitigating factors including Hooper's good character and repute along with his good disciplinary record."

Australia face New Zealand in the Rugby Championship decider in Sydney on August 8.