Australian rugby enthusiasts are no strangers to moments of disappointment, so it was perhaps not surprising when Zac Lomax’s highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific debut was postponed. Nevertheless, this only heightened the excitement surrounding his eventual entry into the professional rugby scene, particularly as he faces the challenging task of competing against Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
The Western Force made a prudent decision to hold off on fielding the former New South Wales State of Origin player in their match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane after he reported hamstring tightness prior to Saturday’s game. Although Lomax was listed on the reserves bench, he had to watch from the sidelines as the Force secured a convincing 42-19 victory over the Reds. However, the win was marred by injuries to wingers Dylan Pietsch and Darby Lancaster, both of whom are now uncertain for next week’s match in Fiji, opening the door for Lomax’s potential participation if he is fit.
Force coach Simon Cron acknowledged the significance of such an introduction for Lomax. With only three weeks of training with the Force under his belt after switching codes mid-season, there are still questions about Lomax’s readiness to compete. His commitment to rugby has also been scrutinized, particularly given his previous aspirations to join the Melbourne Storm in the NRL, a move that was halted by legal issues earlier this year. However, his involvement and enthusiasm during the game at Lang Park suggested that he is fully invested in his new role, as he was seen supporting his teammates, including waiting for Ben Donaldson to finish a half-time interview before offering him encouragement.
Cron has praised Lomax’s professionalism, which is not surprising given his high-level experience in the NRL. His natural talent suggests he has the potential for a successful transition to rugby, although it remains to be seen if he can grasp the complexities inherent in the 15-a-side format. The guidance of Cron, along with experienced players like Kurtley Beale, will undoubtedly aid Lomax in this process, as Cron brings extensive coaching experience from various levels of play.
Meanwhile, Donaldson stood out for the Force, showcasing an impressive performance that could propel the team toward a playoff spot, despite their current record of two wins in seven matches. His playmaking abilities were evident, particularly with a spectacular late first-half try by Mac Grealy and a hat-trick by Argentine international Franco Molina, who contributed significantly beyond just scoring. Donaldson’s management of the game was commendable, highlighted by his skillful cross-field kick that set up a try for Lancaster. In the matchup against fly half Carter Gordon, Donaldson clearly outperformed his opponent, although Gordon’s recent injury may have impacted his form.
As Donaldson aims to translate his Super Rugby success to the international stage, the upcoming Wallabies matches will be crucial in determining if he can maintain his form at a higher level. New Wallabies coach Les Kiss undoubtedly took note of the performances while observing the game in Brisbane.
In another match, the Waratahs faced a harsh reality check after their impressive win against the ACT Brumbies, suffering a 42-14 defeat to the Chiefs in Hamilton. This loss leaves them in seventh place with a 3-4 record. Their earlier victory relied heavily on execution, which was notably absent against the Chiefs, as they conceded six tries and struggled under significant attacking pressure, particularly in the scrum. Their discipline was lacking, as they committed the first five penalties of the match and squandered scoring opportunities.
Despite the defeat, there were some bright spots, notably the performances of winger Max Jorgensen, who made a critical cover tackle and assisted in a try for Sid Harvey. Jorgensen’s contributions indicate that he would merit selection should a Wallabies squad be announced soon.
After the Waratahs’ victory over the Brumbies, coach Dan McKellar advised caution regarding expectations for young player Sid Harvey. Although he scored the first try for the Waratahs against the Chiefs, Harvey had a challenging night overall. He mishandled a kick reception that led to the Chiefs’ opening try and struggled with high balls throughout the match. While he faced difficulties, particularly against the powerful Quinn Tupaea, this experience in New Zealand will ultimately serve as a valuable learning opportunity for him in his development as a player.
