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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Jon Doel

All Blacks honour Australia captain Michael Hooper in their dressing room amid uplifting scenes

The All Blacks honoured Australia captain Michael Hooper in their dressing room minutes after the end of a ferocious Bledisloe Cup encounter on Sunday.

Cooper won his 100th cap at the age of just 28 as he led his side to a thrilling 16-16 draw in Wellington.

The match wasn't without its controversy, with many observers believing the Wallabies were denied a famous victory when they weren't awarded a late penalty.

But the rivalries were put aside for a moment ahead of next weekend's re-match as New Zealand invited Cooper into their dressing room to pay respect to his remarkable achievement.

A video of the gesture, which saw the whole Wallabies team accompany their skipper, was posted on Twitter, with Australia saying: "What it's all about. Thanks @allblacks".

In the video, All Blacks captain Sam Cane made a short speech and presented Hooper with a bottle of wine.

"On behalf of us, we want to congratulate you on your hundy and we've got a bottle of New Zealand's best red wine, not sure where it's from but it's one of the greats so enjoy it when you get the chance," Cane said.

Hooper thanked the All Blacks players and looked ahead to next week's re-match in Auckland.

"Every time we play you blokes it's on, it's on from word go and thank you for inviting us in here, it's the other stuff in rugby that's quite special too. Thanks to all the boys and see you next week in Auckland."

The players from both sides could then be seen mingling and sharing a beer.

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