Thrills and spills: How ex-NRL star Lomax fared in rugby milestone moment

Zac Lomax's transition from rugby league to rugby union with the Western Force is proving to be a compelling narrative, and his starting debut against the Crusaders was a significant milestone. Even if his performance had been less than stellar, the mere act of stepping onto the field in a new code at this level would have been a success, given the steep learning curve involved. Lomax is clearly on a journey of development, and his 58-minute stint showcased both areas for improvement and flashes of brilliance.

His contribution was tangible, including a second-half try that highlighted his finishing ability and crucial support play leading to another five-pointer. Lomax proved a constant threat under the high ball, drawing penalties and demonstrating his aerial prowess. However, the transition isn't without its challenges. Lomax's attempts to offload the ball, rather than taking it to ground, led to turnovers, one of which directly resulted in a Crusaders try. Defensively, he faced a baptism of fire on the wing, with the Crusaders exploiting overlaps, though blame for these defensive lapses is shared across the team.

Despite these blemishes, the overall impression is one of significant progress. Force coach Simon Cron praised Lomax's 'great touches,' his aerial skills, and his eagerness to learn, noting that he 'adds a dominant voice in the back line.' With experienced teammates like Kurtley Beale and George Bridge, and the guidance of Cron, Lomax has a solid foundation for his rugby education. The remaining five regular-season matches offer him a crucial opportunity to continue his development, with the Force still harboring hopes of reaching the finals. Wallabies management will undoubtedly be watching closely, assessing his potential for a Test call-up later this year.

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He [Lomax] had a lot of great touches. He was brilliant in the air, scored a great try. He's finding his feet, he's so keen to learn. He adds a dominant voice in the back line. He'll only get better.