Cooper has been banned for two weeks for dumping Steyn

Australia's appeal against fly-half Quade Cooper's two-match ban has been turned down by a review panel.

Cooper was suspended after upending South Africa's fly-half Morne Steyn during Australia's 30-13 win.

The Wallabies argued the punishment was too severe, given lesser bans handed to South African players.

But the judicial committee of tournament organisers Sanzar upheld the ban so Cooper will miss two Tests against New Zealand.

The talented 22-year-old has been replaced in Australia's starting line-up by Berrick Barnes at inside centre, with Matt Giteau switching to fly-half.

New Zealand-born Cooper had been hoping to make his first start against the All Blacks.

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