Michael Hooper is free to play in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks on Saturday after being cleared by the SANZAR appeals committee.

Hooper was given a one-game ban on Thursday for striking Argentine five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez in an off-the-ball incident during Australia’s 34-9 weekend win over Argentina in Mendoza.

A day later, SANZAR announced it wasn’t satisfied with the one-match ban, which was served during a Shute Shield match on the weekend and appealed the decision.

The Australian Rugby Union then cross-appealed on the grounds that the original sanction was too heavy.

The committee dismissed both appeals leaving Hooper free to play against New Zealand.