A rugby debut in Fiji is not easy. But Lomax made excellent first impression
Opinion
1. Zac Lomax makes an excellent first impression
The former Parramatta winger got 20 minutes off the bench in the Western Force’s 24-22 loss to the Fijian Drua in Lautoka – not the easiest place to make a good start. But Lomax impressed.
He was eager for work. He contributed to a Force turnover with his defensive strength, sparked an excellent counterattack with his pace and a nice delayed pass, and caught one high ball – though he was then forced into touch in the greasy conditions.
For a big man, he looked exceptionally light on his feet, showing no signs of the hamstring twinge that stopped him from making his debut last week.
The Force entertain the Crusaders in a must-win game next week, which will be a different test, but Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt must have been very impressed with Lomax given that difficult game in Fiji.
2. Daugunu stands up for Kiss
Fair play to the senior Reds – a number of them appeared stung by the criticism directed at their coach Les Kiss in recent weeks and they took ownership against the Crusaders.
The Reds defeated the Crusaders 31-26 in Brisbane on Saturday but that scoreline really flattered the defending champions. Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight had strong games but Filipo Daugunu really showed what a Test-quality performance looks like.
He dominated the New Zealanders on both sides of the ball and possesses a skill set that demands attention when Schmidt puts together his first match day squad of the season. He dominates the tackle contest – a massive asset as a bench option for the Wallabies – and his form for the Reds is good news following the worrying knee injury Carter Gordon picked up on Saturday.
3. This is not a strong year for Super Rugby
Let’s be frank – the Reds’ win against the Crusaders was an ugly game and the Brumbies’ 14-10 victory over the Highlanders wouldn’t win any rosettes in a beauty competition either. This is not a vintage year for Super Rugby.
In fact, it could be one of the weakest editions in its history. Too many good players are unavailable for one reason or another.
Consider this list of missing talent that will be – or could be – back on deck next year: Angus Bell (sabbatical, Ulster), Len Ikitau (sabbatical, Exeter), Noah Lolesio (Japan), Richie Mo’unga (Japan), Ardie Savea (Japan), Anton Lienert-Brown (Japan), and Shannon Frizell (Japan).
That list also doesn’t include the currently injured Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii and Tom Wright. The Fijian Drua have also been clearly weakened by the departures of players such as Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz and Iosefo Masi, and the overall quality of the competition has been depleted this year.
4. Brumbies belief building
The Canberrans’ ability to squeeze out wins from imperfect performances might reflect the overall competition. But they did it again against the Highlanders on Friday, and there was almost a sense of inevitability they would close out the contest when they got the chance.
The Brumbies never look beaten and after the game, captain Ryan Lonergan said that mindset was becoming embedded in the playing group.
“It feels like that,” he said. “We know that if we can give ourselves a chance to be able to win a game like we did tonight and we have done previously this year, the boys believe that we can get there if we do what we say we’re going to do. The boys have been really receptive to that and our callers give us the right calls, and we back that, and then we go execute it.”
5. What role does the ball carrier have in head contact?
The Brumbies’ win hinged on a late yellow card to replacement Highlanders hooker Henry Bell, which brought the issue of head contact back into the spotlight – specifically, the responsibility the ball carrier should have when players collide.
When it was put to Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph that giant Brumbies lock Nick Frost had effectively buried his head into Bell, a much smaller man, he said: “I saw it the same way. Desperation getting back [to defend] a player leans into him, they’re going at different angles. And so, that’s an accident.”
Cully’s team of the week
1 Aidan Ross (Reds)
2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Force)
3 Misinale Epenisa (Western Force)
4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds)
5 Jeremy Williams (Force)
6 Rob Valetini (Brumbies)
7 Fraser McReight (Reds)
8 Harry Wilson (Reds)
9 Ryan Lonergan (Brumbies)
10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Reds)
11 Tim Ryan (Reds)
12 Hunter Paisami (Reds)
13 Josh Flook (Reds)
14 Filipo Daugunu (Reds) – Player of the week
15 Jock Campbell (Reds)
Paul Cully is a rugby columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.