RWC: Wales happy to avoid Hooper

Wales will be happy to avoid Michael Hooper at the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Getty

Ghosts have been the topic of discussion at the Wales team hotel this week, but there's a sense of relief they won't have to experience the paranormal activity of Michael Hooper in their pool-deciding World Cup match against Australia.

The Wallabies flanker made himself a rather identifiable flying object when he took out England's Mike Brown in a clean out just before the halftime whistle at Twickenham.

Hooper has been one of the stars of the resurgent Wallabies this year and his combination with David Pocock has been a masterstroke by coach Michael Cheika.

News of the suspension filtered through just before the start of the Wales media session, with centre Jamie Roberts chalking it up as a win of sorts.

"He's one of their best players and he's not playing. Certainly, it's good for us. But Australia, their depth in their squad is fantastic and whoever will come in and play in the backrow now will be a really good player."

Attack coach Rob Howley believes it doesn't change their preparation.

"What we've done over the last 16 weeks is to focus on ourselves in terms of selection and training and we'll do the same his week. It's no different to us."

Wales have made headlines around the rugby world for Samson Lee's suggestions teammate Dan Lydiate had spotted a ghost at their majestic 18th century hotel in Surrey.

Both Roberts and Howley say they haven't seen it and are rightly focusing on vanquishing their 10 test losing run to Australia.

"We'll need to be more accurate when he play against Australia. One thing you need to do against Australia is start well" said Howley.

"When you look at the two journeys you could make after Saturday, there's an easier one, the players and coaches are aware of that."

Win and Wales could find themselves playing Scotland or Japan for a spot in the last four, lose and their opponents are likely to be the Springboks.

"You look back at the last seven years it's the same old story with Australia," Roberts said. "There's no hiding from that, the last ten minutes has killed us on many an occasion".

Wales will announce their team on Thursday night, with Howley relishing a clean bill of health for once for a team that has been overrepresented in the injury statistics for the tournament.

"I think it's the first time I or the coaching team can say that over the last six weeks."