Zac Lomax Helps Western Force Beat Crusaders 31-26 in Perth

The Western Force beat the Crusaders 31-26, a significant win after trailing by 19 points. This is their first major upset this season.
By Newsroom | Rugby Union, Australia |

Force Stun Crusaders in Lomax-Influenced Upset

Zac Lomax has begun to carve out his niche in rugby union, most recently playing a part in the Western Force's stunning 31-26 victory over the Crusaders in Perth. The former NRL star’s involvement was noted in the build-up to the Force's first-half try, where he delivered a pass that initiated the scoring sequence. Lomax also demonstrated an aptitude for aerial contests, twice securing the ball from opposition box kicks and once contributing defensively at the breakdown during crucial moments. This win, achieved after trailing by 19 points, marks a significant moment for the Western Force.

Debut Performance Against Drua

Lomax made his professional rugby union debut for the Western Force a week ago, coming off the bench in the 60th minute during a narrow 24-22 loss to the Fijian Drua in Fiji. Despite the defeat, his performance garnered attention. He recorded 40 run metres and two clean breaks, and was involved in sparking a counterattack with a pass. An ex-Wallaby, Morgan Turinui, highlighted Lomax's "reaction at the breakdown" as a particularly impressive aspect of his brief appearance. This cameo came after a period of "drama" following his off-season code switch.

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Transition and Ambitions

The move to rugby union for Lomax, who signed a two-year deal, was described as a defection from the NRL, with his sights seemingly set on representing the Wallabies, particularly with the next World Cup on the horizon. This transition followed weeks of dispute regarding his exit from the NRL, eventually settled out of court. Lomax himself acknowledged the steep learning curve, stating, "Realistically, there's so much that I need to learn. I'm a novice to the game." He expressed no regrets about his decision, thanking the NRL for his prior career and viewing his move as a personal choice with consequences he accepts.

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Background and Context

Lomax, a former State of Origin player, had 58 tries in 133 NRL appearances for the St George Illawarra Dragons and Parramatta Eels. His prior involvement in rugby union was at a junior level. His move to the Western Force is framed within a broader context of the Wallabies' efforts to bolster their squad, particularly following a disappointing recent touring record. The Western Force, while experiencing mixed results, has been involved in several close matches, including a recent 21-14 loss to the Chiefs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Zac Lomax perform in the Western Force's win against the Crusaders in Perth on April 19, 2026?
Zac Lomax was involved in the Western Force's 31-26 victory over the Crusaders. He helped set up a first-half try and performed well in aerial contests and at the breakdown.
Q: What was Zac Lomax's debut like for the Western Force?
Lomax debuted a week prior, coming off the bench in a 24-22 loss to the Fijian Drua. He achieved 40 run metres and two clean breaks in that match.
Q: Why did Zac Lomax switch from NRL to rugby union?
Lomax switched to rugby union on a two-year deal, aiming to represent the Wallabies. This followed a dispute over his NRL exit, which was settled out of court.
Q: What is Zac Lomax's background in rugby?
Lomax is a former State of Origin player with 58 tries in 133 NRL games for the Dragons and Eels. He played rugby union at a junior level before his NRL career.
Q: What are the Western Force's recent results?
The Western Force have had mixed results, including a recent 21-14 loss to the Chiefs. However, they achieved a significant upset by beating the Crusaders 31-26 after trailing by 19 points.