Robbie Deans didn’t waste a second in bringing Israel Folau into the Wallabies set-up in 2013 despite the high-stakes nature of a Lions series. Now, with the World Cup fast approaching, Les Kiss must decide whether to follow the lead of the New Zealander and rush Zac Lomax into the Wallabies squad for the November Nations Championship Tests.
The former NSW State of Origin winger showed enough to suggest he can be the answer to the Wallabies’ troubles under the high ball, dominating the skies in his first foray for Australia A in the 52-0 demolition of the USA Eagles in New Jersey on Saturday.
Lomax won several balls in the air, set up a try and saved one in his 60-minute spell wearing the No.13 jersey – where fellow code-hopper Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has played most of his rugby since switching from the Roosters.
Lomax’s performance was by no means faultless – he was penalised for playing the ball on the ground once after tripping over as he attempted to collect a grubber near the Eagles’ line – but the 27-year-old’s point of difference is undeniable.
With Japan-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase no certainty to pledge his allegiance to the Wallabies in 2027, Lomax showed he has the tools to help solve the national team’s struggles in the air – and why he should be considered only on the wing.
Kiss has been at pains to point out that there are several quality wingers in Australian rugby, including Max Jorgensen, but none have Lomax’s awesome aerial ability.
The recent Bledisloe Cup series laid bare the Wallabies’ deficiencies under the high ball, with their back three, including Tom Wright and Harry Potter, smashed in the air by the All Blacks.
A week after Australia A thumped the Eagles 61-12 in Nashville, Stephen Larkham’s side was again far too good for the 2031 World Cup hosts, running in eight tries to nil.
While the demolition was a positive sign for Australia’s depth – nine Wallabies featured in the 23 – the one-sided nature of the game was a concerning sign for World Rugby five years out from the Eagles hosting the game’s showpiece event. After all, the Wallabies are ranked seventh on the World Rugby rankings.
Lomax wasn’t the only one to have a field day at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with one-Test Wallaby Harry McLaughlin-Phillips finishing with 17 points after scoring a try and banging over six conversions.
The Western Force recruit’s best moment came in the 14th minute, when he stepped back on the inside of the Eagles’ rush defence and put away Joe Brial on halfway. The Queensland loose-forward, who was one of Australia’s best, then found Lomax, who then sent spring tour-bound halfback Kalani Thomas under the sticks to score.
Test discard Nick Frost was also exceptional for Australia A. The 205cm lock scored a try, made a huge line break and also helped give the Eagles’ lineout nightmares.
Outside backs Corey Toole and Mac Grealy also crossed during the rout and were threatening with every touch.
Despite showing plenty in attack, McLaughlin-Phillips said the team was most satisfied by shutting out their opponents.
“Holding them to nil, they’re a good side and not giving them any points was really good for us as a team,” he said.
As the Wallabies flew to London ahead of next weekend’s Test against England at Twickenham, Kiss would have been pleased the side came through with a clean bill of health, with prop Tom Lambert and halfback Thomas cleared to fly across the Atlantic to link up with the national team.
As it stands, Lomax won’t be with them. But that will surely go down as a missed opportunity just 11 months out from the World Cup.
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