Michael Hooper hailed a champion of NSW Waratahs as 'grieving process' begins
There was no fairytale for Michael Hooper and his NSW Waratahs as they sought to end a drought over the Blues at Eden Park dating back 15 years.
The 'Tahs came into the 2023 season among the favourites for the Super Rugby Pacific title but battled throughout and were ultimately bundled out in the quarter-finals.
The Blues delivered a dominant display at the Eden Park fortress, winning 41-12 in front of a raucous home crowd.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific finals on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
Michael Hooper sits alone following the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final match between Blues and Waratahs at Eden Park. Phil Walter via Getty Images
It marked the end of an era for Hooper, whose career with the Waratahs is over.
Hooper's farewell has flown under the radar to a degree, although the absence of Jake Gordon due to injury has thrust Hooper back into the spotlight as the stand-in captain.
Post-match, there was imagery of Hooper sat on his own as Waratahs co-captain Jed Holloway spoke fondly of his teammate – the veteran left to reflect on his career.
READ MORE: Blows keep coming for NSW as Walker injury confirmed
READ MORE: Freddy rips Maroons star's call after Koroisau hit
READ MORE: Smith's ridiculous record at English Test venue
AS IT HAPPENED: Blues belt Waratahs in Super Rugby finals thumping
"Mate, there's a lot I'm going to miss about him," said Holloway.
"Just his overall intensity. His care to each and every player. His willingness to have conversations, the hard conversations and give you absolute honesty.
"Just his drive. For a guy that's done it as long as he has, still be the guy leading in every kick chase in everything he does, it's amazing.
"Mate, I'm going to miss him. I know the Tahs are going to miss him and I wish him all the best."
Michael Hooper wound up his career with teh NSW Waratahs with his side's loss to the Blues. Hannah Peters via Getty Images
Former Wallabies star Morgan Turinui noted that vision, explaining "it'll be a little bit of a grieving process" for Hooper.
"The Waratahs have been so much in his life as a human being. He got the farewell, not the one he wanted last week, and now it's all over," he said.
"Sometimes you're sitting there with the realisation – I remember sitting there with a beer on the field at the footy stadium with Chris Whittaker and Nathan Grey after his last, just to try and have that moment until we separate again and don't see each other again.
"There's a huge emotional connection with Hoops and that sky blue jersey."
Joey Walton of the Waratahs looks dejected following the Super Rugby Pacific quarter final match between Blues and Waratahs at Eden Park. Phil Walter via Getty Images
Turinui said the woes which plagued them throughout the year came back to haunt them at the most crucial moment.
"It's funny, it was almost a little resume for their season," said Turinui.
"All their little inaccuracies through the year came home to roost.
"That's finals footy and this was the game where it was going to be a positive season for the Waratahs making the semi or coming sixth – not quite good enough for the high expectations we had for them."
That sentiment was echoed by Holloway.
"To be honest, inconsistent," said Holloway when asked to sum up the team's season.
"We started really slow, clawed our way back, and tapered off towards the end there.
"It's disappointing mate. A couple of great men; Hoops and Te Tera Faulkner, Tolu Latu finish their careers at the club. It's disappointing that we send them out like that."
The Sydneysiders came to Auckland as underdogs and never really threatened, despite opening the scoring courtesy of Ned Hanigan in the first three minutes.
Waratahs outside centre star Dylan Pietsch thought he had scored in the corner to give his side the lead, only for replays to show Christie got his hand on the ball and knocked it out.
Pietsch scored a consolation try in the dying moments, but the Blues were otherwise untouchable in what was a dominant display and a warning to their semi-final rivals.
The Super Rugby Pacific finals continue on Saturday with a triple-header, kicking off with the Chiefs hosting the Reds at 2:35pm in Hamilton before the Fijian Drua face the Crusaders in Christchurch at 5:05pm.
The sole remaining Australian team, the Brumbies, will look to defeat the Hurricanes in Canberra at 7:35pm.
Eddie Jones' remarkable career in pictures: Wallabies coach's tortured Rugby World Cup history
