One full round of Australian local derbies into the season,Holloway is in the form of his life. He gives thanks to a number of factors - the coaching of Darren Coleman and his staff,the close club-like culture DC has created at the Tahs and his constant quest for improvement – but whatever the cause,he is enjoying his footy again. The rugby he is playing is heady,aggressive. He is excited. Perhaps,he ruefully admits,too excited.

Even in Queensland,where deep suspicions the Reds had been rorted led to all 40 Wallabies selections being forensically dissected,no fault was found with Holloway’s inclusion.

True,by modern-day lock standards,he is short – at 196cm,he is 10cm shorter than Brumbies lineout ace Nick Frost - but while he keeps finding insightful ways around this,everything seems possible,Test selection included.

He is not the only player to benefit from the miraculous transformation Coleman has wrought at the Tahs. In his first season as a regular starter,Ben Donaldson also finds himself training with the Wallaby elite.

It was once said of Roger Gould that his boot sounded like the one o’clock gun firing at Edinburgh Castle. Well,when Donaldson puts right foot to ball,it sounds like the Royal Artillery is softening up the enemy.

Surprisingly,Rebels general Matt To’omua was not included. Surprising not because he has been in spectacularly good form – he hasn’t – but because Rennie generally rewards past performance. But To’omua has stopped taking the ball to the line.

Instead,he positions himself at the rear to accept kicks and then boots the ball back before taking contact. Sadly,his days at 10 seem over and the sooner coach Kevin Foote puts his faith in Carter Gordon,the better for all concerned.

The Reds can at least give thanks that Jock Campbell has finally been rewarded with selection,though Rennie must give him time. He is very much the quiet assassin. Now for their other deserving case,Hamish Stewart.

Stewart plays Test-standard rugby even when playing 12 for Brothers or the Reds,sometimes to his own disadvantage. He would have no difficulty adapting to the international game. And while ongoing selection errors are being pointed out,what more do Tim Ainstee and fellow Western Force forward Fergus Lee-Warner need to do? Still,take heart. Holloway was in his 30th year before the door finally creaked opened.

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