Cheika’s sympathy for banned duo

Editor

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has expressed his sympathy for Scotland's Ross Ford and Jonny Gray after they were suspended for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final.

Ford and Gray were each handed three-week bans for a tip tackle at a ruck in Scotland's win over Samoa last weekend.

"I haven't seen the incident but I feel for them," Cheika said.

"It's the World Cup, you have worked hard for it and when you get to possibly three finals to play, you miss out.

"The same happened to (Michael) Hooper last week. His grandparents came over to watch him play (last weekend) and he was suspended. I know it's a little thing but it's important. 

"You feel for the players."

Cheika also gave a fitness update on the key trio of Matt Giteau, Israel Folau and David Pocock.

"Giteau didn't train yesterday, but is OK to train today," he added.

"The other two we read as we go. We have two sessions today so they will maybe do one of the two."