Zac Lomax made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force, receiving praise from ex-Wallaby Morgan Turinui despite the team’s narrow 24-22 defeat to the Drua in Fiji. Although he did not contribute points directly, Lomax’s performance showcased his potential for a future position in the Wallabies squad.
After a tumultuous off-season, which included plans to join a new competition, Lomax returned to the field for the first time since September. He entered the match in the 60th minute and quickly made a mark with a pivotal line break from a turnover and a solid catch from a high kick by Kurtley Beale.
Turinui highlighted Lomax’s ability at the breakdown, noting that it was his most notable contribution during his brief time on the pitch. He commented on Lomax’s awareness, emphasising the importance of maintaining form in the ruck, especially as it is crucial for those transitioning from other codes, such as Lomax, who has not played rugby union in over a decade.
Turinui’s fellow analyst and former Test player, Matt Burke, echoed the positive sentiments, stating that Lomax executed what was needed during his stint and expressed excitement about his next performance against the Crusaders in Perth.
Force coach Simon Cron had initially intended to introduce Lomax earlier but was hindered by illness among team members that required adjustments to their strategy. Despite this, he remained optimistic about Lomax’s ongoing development within the game, acknowledging that his debut was limited due to the way the match unfolded.
Lomax is expected to feature again in the upcoming match against the Crusaders, giving him another opportunity to further prove his capabilities and secure a more significant role within the squad. As he continues to adapt to the demands of rugby union, all eyes will be on his next performances in the competition.