Zac Lomax made an impressive debut in Super Rugby Pacific, playing a pivotal role in the Western Force’s remarkable comeback against the Crusaders, securing a 31-26 victory in Perth. In his first starting appearance, the former NRL player showcased composure and skill, scoring a crucial try in the 54th minute that brought the score even, reinvigorating the Force’s chances.
Substituted shortly after his thrilling first try, Lomax was a significant presence on the field, as the 6,659-strong crowd erupted with excitement when the Force took the lead in the 70th minute. The dynamics of the game shifted considerably in the second half, with the Force gaining momentum. However, a chaotic moment in the 75th minute saw the Crusaders mistakenly think they had levelled the scores, leading to a tense final few minutes where the Force had to defend vigorously to hold onto their lead.
A pivotal moment came when Carlo Tizzano earned a crucial penalty at the breakdown, helping to secure the victory and improving the Force’s record to 3-6, keeping their finals aspirations alive. After the match, Lomax expressed his joy at scoring after several months and highlighted the importance of the win for the team, stating, “You can see on the boys’ faces, that win means so much for us. That performance has been coming.”
The Western Force will next face the Waratahs in Sydney on May 1, aiming to build on their recent success.