Prop Harry Johnson-Holmes admits his 100th Super Rugby cap is a “long time coming” having overcome successive long-term injuries to bring up triple figures on Saturday.
Pending selection, Johnson-Holmes is in line for his 100th cap against the Crusaders on Saturday from 7:55pm at HBF Park.
The red-hair bearded front-rower previously notched up 91 caps for the NSW Waratahs before switching to the Force at the back-end of the 2024 season.
But Johnson-Holmes’ start to life in the west was slowed by an Achilles injury followed by a season-ending ACL injury sustained in the side’s pre-season game against the ACT Brumbies.
However, he’s returned this season and hasn’t missed a game, with his 100th now upon him.
“I suppose it’s a long time coming, but then again, most hundreds probably are,” Johnson-Holmes told reporters on Tuesday.
“I’m not the first man to play 100 Super caps, and I won’t be the last. It’s about doing all I can for the team.
“It’s a nice personal milestone for myself, I suppose a nod to longevity and the first one wasn’t a fluke, but it’s another week for us.”
Reflecting on the highlights among his 100 games, having debuted for the ‘Tahs in 2018, Johnson-Holmes referred to his team-mates and opponents.
“When you play 100 games, you get the opportunity to rub elbows with a lot of awesome blokes and great men of the game,” he said.
“For me, it’s reflecting on those boys and how they’ve been part of my journey.”
Johnson-Holmes remains bullish about the Force’s finals hopes, despite sitting in 10th with a 2-6 record.
Following last round’s loss in Fiji, the Force don’t travel outside of Australia for the rest of the regular season, with four out of the side’s last six games at HBF Park.
“Once we start nailing those last little bits that are going to get us over the line, momentum is hell of a thing,” Johnson-Holmes said.
“One will turn into two, and two will turn into three and next thing you’re on a bit of a running streak. It’s just about staying at it.”
For the later 7:55pm kick-off, the Force will put on a range of entertainment in a flashback to the Global Rapid Rugby days, with fireworks, pyrotechnics, a saxophonist, DJs and a bucking bull among the activities for ‘Party At The Park’.
Fans on Field will return for the first time this season and take place after the game. Tickets are sale from $28 for adults and $22 for students via Ticketmaster.
