Zac Lomax and the Western Force’s Revival
Zac Lomax has become a crucial figure for the Western Force as they aim to maintain their resurgence in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, according to lock Darcy Swain. The Force’s chances of making the finals were looking bleak when Lomax first stepped onto the field against the Fijian Drua on April 11. However, since then, the team has experienced a significant turnaround, securing two consecutive victories over the Waratahs and the fifth-placed Crusaders, which has brought them closer to the top six.
As the team prepares for a pivotal match against the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium this Saturday, Swain is hopeful that Lomax’s positive influence will continue. When asked if the former NRL star had revitalized the team, Swain confirmed: “Yes. He’s brought a lot to the group. He’s obviously very athletic, and we just need to get the ball in his hands a bit more and let him do his thing.”
Swain also highlighted the role of veteran players like Ben Donaldson and Kurtley Beale in helping Lomax adapt to the team. “He’s kept up to speed and still learning, and a lot of those older guys are just bringing him along. It’s awesome having him out there. You just kick a box kick and you know he’s going to catch it or tap it back,” he added.
Swain is also eager to see Lomax make an impact on the field as he approaches his 100th Super Rugby game. For the 28-year-old, this milestone is bittersweet, as he previously made 76 appearances for the Brumbies before leaving ahead of last season. However, a virus nearly prevented him from celebrating this achievement elsewhere.
“When we were about to go to Fiji, I was crook as anything. I had influenza B and couldn’t move,” Swain said. “But when I sort of realised a couple of games ago it was going to be here, it was just a really nice feeling.”
Despite this, Swain’s good friend and former teammate Ryan Lonergan will be looking to spoil his celebration, as the Brumbies aim to solidify their position within the top six.
After suffering their third consecutive loss for the first time since 2018 in the previous round, Lonergan admitted concerns about missing out on the finals. However, the captain remains optimistic ahead of the upcoming match, knowing that the return of Wallaby Allan Alaalatoa from concussion will provide a boost to the team.
“It’s really time for us to get back to where we were and start performing so that we can set ourselves up for the rest of the season,” Lonergan said. “We’re on an upward trend, and we just have to make sure that we continue getting results.”
