Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper has been cleared of a charge of foul play by a SANZAR Judicial Hearing held in Brisbane following his side's 25-20 victory over New Zealand in the Tri-Nations decider.

Cooper had been cited for kneeing (foul play Law 10.4 (a): striking an opponent with the knee) New Zealand captain Richie McCaw in the face during the second half of the match in Brisbane on Saturday.

Cooper admitted that his knee made contact with McCaw's face but testified that the contact was accidental as he was in the process of getting up from the ground and he had no intention of striking his opponent with the knee.

SANZAR Judicial Officer, Advocate Jannie Lubbe SC, reviewed video footage of the incident. He also heard evidence from the player and Australian coach Robbie Deans and submissions by Cooper's legal counsel.

Lubbe found that Cooper's evidence was in line with video footage of the incident. He concluded that on the available evidence he was not satisfied on a balance of probability that Cooper acted in breach of Law 10.4 (a) and dismissed the citing.