Rodney Stevens
Wallabies’ backrower and former Yamba Buccaneers junior Jed Holloway played his 100th game for the NSW Waratahs in a Super Rugby Pacific clash against arch rivals the ACT Brumbies in atrocious conditions at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night.
Watched on by Buccaneers supporters in the crowd, Holloway set up a try as torrential rain fell, and despite a hard-fought effort, the Brumbies defeated the Waratahs 29-21.
In front of a crowd of 12,562 who braved the torrid conditions, the Waratahs took it to the Brumbies in a bruising contest, with only a penalty goal separating the teams at half time.
In the second half, two tries in the first eight minutes saw the Brumbies extend their lead, but the Waratahs weren’t out of the contest yet, and scored two tries, the first after 57th minutes, then the second in the 73rd minute, leaving the Waratahs trailing by one point, 22-21.
The Waratahs were still in with a chance of victory until the Brumbies crashed over for a try in the 77th minute, which was converted, sealing the 8-point victory.
After the game, Holloway reflected on his rugby journey to get to 100 games for the Waratahs in an interview with former Wallabies captain, Michael Hooper.
“Its huge to be able to reach 100 games,” Holloway said.
“It’s always something that I had in the back of my mind that I wanted to achieve.
“I love this club and the people around me who have been on this journey with me.”
Hooper, who also played for the Waratahs, recalled Holloway’s debut for the team, as both acknowledged the dedication needed to reach the achievement.
“I couldn’t have done this without my wife and parents pushing me through and supporting me,” Holloway said.
“They have forced me to thrive here.
“It was an emotional night and an emotional week.
“It’s disappointing we couldn’t get the result, but it was a special night for me.”
The loss leaves the Waratahs sitting last on the Super Rugby Pacific table, but they still have a chance of playing in the finals if they win their remaining games.