The Australian Rugby Union have confirmed that they will appeal against the two-week ban handed out to Quade Cooper for a dangerous tackle against South Africa.

Cooper received the suspension after he was adjudged to have lifted and dropped Morne Steyn in a tackle during the second half of the Wallabies' 30-13 victory over South Africa on Saturday.

As things stand, the fly-half will not be available for next weekend's Tri-Nations clash against great rivals New Zealand nor the clash the week after.

However, Australia are hoping to now see the ban reduced to allow Cooper to play in Christchurch.

The appeal, lodged on Monday, is likely to be heard via a phone link-up in Sydney on Wednesday by three judicial officers - one from each Tri-Nations country.

The Australians will appeal on the grounds that the other two players to be banned for the offence, Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie, have only missed one Tri-Nations match as a result of their bans, while Cooper misses two.

New Zealand currently lead the Tri-Nations tournament with 10 points after two bonus-point wins over South Africa and will be playing their first away match of the campaign when they travel to Melbourne on Saturday.

Australia stand second in the competition with four points, while defending champions South Africa are pointless after three defeats in their first three outings.