Thursdays Rugby News sees Holloway re-signs, Four More Years for Gregan, No Pocock, and Force captain returns.
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HOLLOWAY LOCKED AWAY
NSW forward Jed Holloway is the latest player to commit to staying with the Waratahs after signing as new two year contract.
Previously there had been a few rumours floating around that Holloway might head down south to the Brumbies, but those rumours have been put to bed after Jed committed to his home town.
The 26 year old notched up his 50th cap for NSW in 2019, where the traditional No. 8 spent most of his time in the second row.
NSW General Manager of Rugby Tim Rapp had big raps on Holloway, highlighting his work rating around the pitch, his efforts in attack and defence, and his over all versatility as a forward.
“He’s come through our development pathways, more recently has taken on leadership roles at Southern Districts and loves representing New South Wales.
“Not only that, he does some wonderful charity work in his role as an Ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation – which I think says a lot for the sort of character Jed is.
“He’s a valued member of our squad and the ultimate team man, his presence around our young forwards will be invaluable over the next two years.”
After six years with the Waratahs, Holloway is happy to be the leader and inspire the next generation of sky blue players.
“After making my debut [in 2013] I had to bide my time a little bit before getting some regular opportunities,” Holloway said.
“To have notched 50 caps this season is an achievement I’m really proud of, and I’m glad to be staying in New South Wales to continue representing the Waratahs.
“There’s a good group of young guys coming through here and to be a part of that is an exciting prospect.
“In the meantime, I’ll be focusing on the National Rugby Championships before we get started on pre-season for 2020.”
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FOUR MORE YEARS…16 YEARS LATER
It may have been one of the most iconic moments for the 2003 World Cup, but the “Four more years” sledge appears to still be haunting George Gregan.
The Wallaby great appeared on Fox Sports The Back Page, where he opened up behind the history of the epic taunt and the fallout that still follows him in New Zealand.
Gregan is still held in high regard across the ditch, so much so that the kiwis asked him to reprise the line on their latest Air (All Blacks) New Zealand advertisement in which Gregan says the next ad will be in ‘four more years.’
“I cop it for that line all the time,” Gregan said.
“That’s the only time I’ve said that line since the 2003 (Rugby World Cup) semifinal which was directed at Byron Kelleher.
“But they had a bit of fun (in making the ad), I do like that about them, there’s a bit of that ANZAC spirit.”
The taunt, despite twisting the knife in New Zealands World Cup drought, was merely an instinctive reaction between half backs according to Gregan.
“There was no premeditated, I’m going to say this when the moment comes,” Gregan said.
“But you’re in the heat of the moment and it was Byron Kelleher, we had a feisty, halfback relationship.
“And when you’ve got a chance to give it to each other — it was that moment where we were on top.
“The cameraman who is still working here (at Fox Sports) on weekends, who captured it, I said ‘you know I’ve copped a lot of grief — why did you tell the producer and OB (outside broadcast) that something was there?’
“It was just a little halfback moment.”
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POCOCK TO MISS BLEDISLOE ONE
Despite rumblings from the New Zealand camp that the Wallabies would include David Pocock in their match day 23, it appears the kiwis got it wrong.
Fox Sports are report that Poey will be left on ice for at least Bledisloe one, and may not even make the trip to the fortress of New Zealand, Eden Park.
Apparently he was never actually in test consideration for this week, more mind game from Hansen’s camp it would seem.
Pocock has played limited rugby this year, after he injured his calf in the Wallabies fitness camp that resulted in four players suffering from the same soft tissue injury.
He made limited minutes for the Brumbies, playing his last game against the Rebels back in March.
As one of Australia’s few World Class players, and world class humans, his inability to play has frustrated Wallabies supporters. But selectors are left with the call to make sure that Pocock is fit for the World Cup, if the Wallabies are to be any chance at making the finals.
Pocock has shown he is one of the few players that can take time away from the game, and still give a high quality performance, after taking a sabbatical year in 2017, he was able to win the John Eales Medal in 2018.
In the absence of the breakdown specialist, other players are expected to step up at the break down, with the likes Tolu Latu expecting to put in a shift with getting a card, and Michael Hooper, who made surprised rugby fans with his turn overs against Argentina.
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PRIOR BACK FOR FORCE
Western Force Captain Ian Prior will make his return to Rapid Rugby after a three month stint on the sidelines with a pectoral injury.
He will make his return in the Force’ last match of the season when they play Malaysia.
Along with the returning Prior, coach Tim Sampson will use this as an opportunity to trial some of his rookies.
“The game will be a great experience and opportunity for our younger emerging talent who have come through the Western Australian pathway systems,” he said.
“The Malaysia Valke are a team who throws the ball around and play to their strengths out wide where they have a lot of speed. They will also challenge us through the middle of the field with their big pack.”
One such rookie is former Manly Sea Eagles player Halaufa Lavaka, who joined the squad just over a fortnight ago after serving on a religious missions.
“Hala has completed a two-year Mormon mission and is very committed to reigniting his professional career. He only joined us a couple of weeks ago and is showing some promising signs”.
This will be the Force last hit out before the start of the NRC.
Force to face Malaysia Valke
1. Cameron Orr 2. Feleti Kaitu’u 3. Tom Sheminant 4. Jeremy Thrush 5. Fergus Lee Warner 6. Tevin Ferris 7. Carlo Tizzano 8. Brynard Stander 9. Issak Fines 10. Andrew Deegan 11. Rod Davies 12. Rodney Iona 13. Nick Jooste 14. Jonah Placid 15. Jack McGregor
Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann 17. Harrison Lloyd 18. Chris Heiberg 19. Ben Grant 20. Jackson Pugh 21 Ian Prior 22. Chris Miller 23. Leon Feke 24. Halaufa Lavaka 25. Ollie Callan 26. Dom Hardman
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