Australia A coach delivers verdict on Zac Lomax after impressive USA debut

Australia A head coach Stephen Larkham said he was ‘pleased’ with NRL convert Zac Lomax’s efforts on tour of the USA, as the cross-code back sets his sights on a maiden Wallabies call-up.

Lomax, 27, played his first-ever representative game for Australia on Friday night as the A side defeated the USA Men 52-0 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.

A three-cap Kangaroo, Lomax has been the subject of much speculation and drawn comparisons to fellow rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i since joining Super Rugby Pacific side Western Force, for whom he made seven appearances for last season and scored two tries.

Having featured exclusively on the wing for the Western Australian side, Lomax was handed an opportunity at outside centre by Australia A coach Larkham on Friday, where he impressed.

Lomax only returned to rugby during Super Rugby AUS following recovery from a groin injury and was a late call-up to the Australia A squad alongside Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who scored 17 points against the USA Men.

Among Lomax’s highlights in New Jersey were a try-saving tackle, a try assist and a chip-and-chase that resulted in a yellow card for USA Men prop Mason Pedersen following a trip.

“He had a late call-up for us over here, came in late to the tour and picked things up really quickly,” Larkham said at full-time.

“Hasn’t played a lot of 13, played a fair bit of wing and is probably a little bit more comfortable on the wing.

“I thought he did a really good job gelling with the players, connecting off the field, understanding his role on the field and he got involved tonight, which was pleasing.

“He’s really good under the high ball and we tweaked a few things through the week to make sure that he got a few of those opportunities.”

Having taken his first steps on the international rugby union stage, Lomax will be keeping a close eye on his phone should Wallabies coach Les Kiss require his services during their upcoming European tour.

The Wallabies departed for Europe on Friday ahead of Nations Championship fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales, before finishing November with Finals Day at Allianz Stadium.