Lomax targets Wallabies spot as Force seek first non-losing season in a decade

Zac Lomax will make his case for a Wallabies call-up one last time when the Western Force close their Super Rugby Pacific campaign against the NSW Waratahs in Perth on Saturday, with both sides already eliminated from finals contention.

The 26-year-old switched codes from the NRL mid-season and has made an immediate impression, scoring two tries and drawing praise for his aerial work and ball-carrying. Force coach Simon Cron has been encouraged by the former NRL star’s attitude and instincts since his arrival.

“He’s continuing to grow,” Cron said of Lomax. “He’s working on little bits of his craft, and he’s always asking questions. He’s intuitive and knows how to get his hands on the ball.”

The pressing question for Wallabies selectors is whether Lomax is ready for Test rugby ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship, which begins in July. Australia face Ireland in Sydney on July 4, France in Brisbane on July 11 and Italy in Perth on July 18.

Lomax is not the only Force player with something to prove. Flyhalf Ben Donaldson returns this week from a quad injury and is considered a strong candidate for a Wallabies recall after a solid season.

Cron, who has been re-signed as head coach, is focused on finishing the season strongly rather than on individual auditions. The Force’s finals hopes ended last week when they failed to secure a bonus point in a 19-15 win over Fijian Drua, while the Waratahs were eliminated after a 21-14 loss to the Brumbies.

“Our vision from the start of the year was crystal clear, and part of that is to be consistently performing every week,” Cron said. “These guys are hungry — hungry for rugby, hungry to play, and they’re really supportive of each other. Joe (Schmidt) and the selection group are laser-focused on watching them, and all we can do is give them the best chance.”

A win on Saturday would give the Force a 7-7 record for the season — the first time they have finished a full Super Rugby campaign without a losing record since going 9-7 in 2014.