Zac Lomax’s Path to Selection
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has provided insights into what it will take for Zac Lomax to secure a spot in Australia’s squad for the upcoming home Nations Championship Tests in July. Schmidt, who recently spent time with the Western Force in Perth ahead of their Super Rugby clash with the Queensland Reds on Saturday, had the opportunity to observe Lomax closely as he transitions into rugby.
“We bounced a few observations back and forth,” Schmidt said. “We’ll be watching over the next few weeks, three home games to finish the season. That’s perfect for the Force, and it’s perfect for Zac if he can get a rhythm through those games.”
As a former winger himself, Schmidt was asked about the specific elements he needs to see from Lomax to strengthen his selection claims in a competitive position.
“Just see him get that playing rhythm. And there’s a whole lot of elements to that playing rhythm,” the New Zealander explained. “It’s trying to get into the right place at the right time, because that’s a little bit different from the 13-man code. Certainly his aerial attack has been strong. I think he’s problem solving (defensively) really well.”
Lomax has made a strong start to life as a rugby winger, and Schmidt is optimistic about his potential. The coach emphasized the importance of Lomax finding consistency and adapting to the nuances of rugby.
Future Plans for Anzac Day Test
Schmidt also spoke enthusiastically about plans for a historic Anzac Day Test next year. He hopes the match could be played as a trans-Tasman double header, with the Wallaroos and Black Ferns also locking horns.
“How good would that be? I’d love to see that,” Schmidt said. “It would set the Bledisloe up really well, I think, into a three-match series. It would be a really good early season taste for international footy in an isolated window there.”
He believes that the Super clubs could work around this schedule, having coached in the northern hemisphere where teams have multiple opportunities during the season.
“I do think the players would adapt and teams would adapt to that. I’d love to see it happen, to be honest.”
Contract Extension for Simon Cron
Meanwhile, the Western Force announced a contract extension for coach Simon Cron to take in the 2027 season. Cron expressed his commitment to the club and its development over the past three-and-a-half years.
“There’s been a huge amount of work done over the past three-and-a-half years to build the environment, standards and culture within the club,” Cron said. “When it came to extending, there’s definitely a sense of unfinished business. We’ve worked hard to put strong foundations in place and there’s a real belief about where this group can go.”
Cron also highlighted the deep connection and loyalty to the players and staff who have committed so much to building the club.
“There’s also a deep connection and loyalty to the players and staff who have committed so much to building this club. Everyone here is incredibly driven to achieve success together and that’s what continues to motivate and excite me.”
Match Preview: Western Force vs Queensland Reds
The Western Force will face the Queensland Reds on Saturday, 16 May, at HBF Park in Perth. Here are the lineups for both teams:
FORCE (1-15):
Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vailoni Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy
Replacements:
Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa’agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
REDS (1-15):
George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Luttis, Hamish Muller, Seru Uru, Joe Brial, Joe Bryant, Harry Wilson (c), Louis Werchon, Carter Gordon, Lachie Anderson, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell
Replacements:
Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Charlie Brosnan, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard
Referee:
Jordan Way
Assistant Referees:
Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey
TMO:
James Leckie
