Former Australian captain James Horwill has shown his support for Ewen McKenzie's decision to suspend six Wallaby players who went out drinking in Dublin three days before their Test match against Ireland.

Adam Ashley Cooper, Nick Cummins, Liam Gill, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Benn Robinson will sit out the Aussies' encounter with Scotland, while Paddy Ryan will miss their visit to Cardiff to face Wales, a move that Horwill has suggested could be a positive step.

Horwill told AAP: "Ewen has made the decision based on what he feels is best for the team and that's what the head coach is there to do.

"He makes tough decisions and that's the reality of the position."

Earlier this year, fly-half James O'Connor was stripped of his contract with the Australian Rugby Union and dropped from the national setup over his conduct.