Young Sydney University Football Club prop Harry Johnson-Holmes came off the bench to make his Super Rugby debut for NSW Waratahs in their 34-27 win over the Stormers at Alliance Stadium on Saturday night.
Johnson-Holmes replaced SUFC team-mate Tom Robertson late in the match to confront the massive Stormers pack.
The former Australian Schoolboy and Under 20 representative’s 10-minute involvement included a tight-head scrum win – the only one of the match – and a close-up view of flanker Ned Hanigan’s after-the-bell try to seal the win.
Johnson-Holmes attended Merewether High School in Newcastle and represented NSW Combined High Schools before coming to Sydney University and progressing through the Colts ranks.
SUFC had a strong presence in the Waratahs squad on Saturday night, with fullback Israel Folau, five-eighth Bernard Foley, halfback Jake Gordon and props Paddy Ryan and Tom Robertson in the starting line-up and Johnson-Holmes and second-rower Lachlan Swinton coming off bench.
SUFC’s Brad Wilkin, Tolu Latu, Nick Phipps and Matt Sandell are also in the Waratahs squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
SUFC’s representatives in the three other Australian Super Rugby franchises include Tom English, Sam Jeffries, Matt Philip, Sam Talakai, Nick Stirzaker and Laurie Weeks with the Melbourne Rebels; and Sam Carter, James Dargaville and Folau Fainga’a with the with the ACT Brumbies. Wallaby backrower Ben McCalman is battling a shoulder injury and is yet to commit to a franchise for 2018.
