Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt recently shared insights into his conversation with Zac Lomax, the Western Force winger who is on a tight timeline to secure his place in the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Nations Championship. Earlier this year, Lomax inked a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Force, debuting last month against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka. The 26-year-old, a former NRL standout with 133 appearances and stints at St. George Illawarra and Parramatta Eels, as well as accolades from New South Wales in State of Origin and Australia on the international stage, has transitioned impressively into rugby union.
Lomax’s journey to union was marked by a bold move when he left a three-year contract with Parramatta amidst rumors of joining the nascent rebel league, R360. With R360's launch delayed, Lomax’s career trajectory took a significant turn, leading him to the Force where he has started to make his mark in the Super Rugby Pacific. Despite the Force's current struggle, sitting 10th in the standings and needing a flawless run in their remaining matches against the Reds, Fijian Drua, and Waratahs to vie for a playoff spot, Lomax’s performances have not gone unnoticed.
"We bounced a few observations back and forth,"
Schmidt recounted about their recent dialogue."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."
Schmidt’s expectations for Lomax in the coming weeks are clear:
"Just see him get that playing rhythm. And there’s a whole lot of elements to that playing rhythm. 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."
This reflects a belief in Lomax’s ability to adapt and excel in the union format, leveraging his past league experience in new ways.The upcoming games are not just crucial for Lomax but for the Force as a whole. Victory in these matches could propel them into playoff contention, offering Lomax further opportunities to showcase his skills on a larger stage. As the Wallabies prepare to host Ireland, France, and Italy in the Nations Championship, the spotlight on Lomax will intensify, making these weeks pivotal for his rugby union career trajectory.