Hooper’s farewell falls flat as horrific Tahs smashed in momentum-killer ahead of Super Rugby quarter

The Waratahs’ hopes of taking momentum into their difficult quarter-final against the Blues at Eden Park have suffered a huge setback after being smashed by Moana Pasifika 33-18 on Saturday night.

While the result didn’t affect their standings on the Super Rugby finals, it was a deflating blow ahead of their difficult trip across the ditch.

It also meant Michael Hooper – the man who led the Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title in 2014 – didn’t get the fairytale send-off at Allianz Stadium he so desired, as Moana Pasifika spoiled the party to claim their first win of the season.

Making matters worse, Darren Coleman’s men will be crossing his fingers after prop Harry Johnson-Holmes and back Izaia Perese limped off. Regular captain Jake Gordon, who came off the bench as Coleman looked to give some of his other chargers some game time, also left moments after coming onto the field.

Michael Hooper scored a late try but his farewell from Allianz Stadium fell flat as the Waratahs were smashed by Moana Pasifika. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The Waratahs were horrific from start to finish despite taking an early lead, as they conceded 21 unanswered points to take a 21-14 lead at half-time.

But two tries midway through the second half to Christian Lealiifano and Miracle Faiilagi saw Moana Pasifika run away with the match.

Tolu Latu and Hooper scored late tries from rolling mauls, but the later five-pointers could do little to escape the embarrassing defeat.

Coleman and his defence coach Jason Gilmore appeared shell-shocked in the coaching box, as they now face the reality of having to head across the ditch to a venue they haven’t won at since 2009 and have won just once in 14 attempts since Super Rugby started.

More to come…