Lomax tipped for Super debut in Lautoka

Former NRL (National Rugby League) star winger Zac Lomax is likely to make his Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Fijian Drua at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday.

Lomax was named on the Western Force bench in last Saturday’s clash against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium but did not play due to hamstring tightness.

He was replaced by veteran Force centre Hamish Stewart.

Western Force coach Simon Cron told rugby.com.au there was little need to risk Lomax as he continues to acclimatise to the new sport and side.

“He trained all Thursday and only got to 80% speed with the tight hamstring. He’s been with us for three weeks and it’d be stupid to push that,” Cron told the pre-game coverage.

“It’d be okay if it means Lomax will likely debut against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.

“I had a 10-15 second chat with him as he walked past and he said he got through all the session on Thursday and just tightened up on Friday,” Stan commentator and Wallabies legend Tim Horan said on Lomax.

“He’s really disappointed and I said to him that there’s no pressure to really come back and play but he was keen to play in Fiji.”

The Force were forced into a further change, with Nathan Hastie ruled out with a rib injury.

Los Pumas scrumhalf Agustin Moyano came into the side to replace the former Highlander.