Zac Lomax Makes His Super Rugby Start Against the Crusaders
Zac Lomax will make his first Super Rugby start against the defending champion Crusaders in Perth on Saturday night. The former NRL star made an impressive debut off the bench in his Western Force appearance against the Fijian Drua last weekend.
This match promises to be a significant moment for Lomax as he looks to establish himself in the team. The Western Force coach, Simon Cron, hopes to bring Lomax into the game early and expressed disappointment over missed opportunities in his debut.
“Zac is just finding his feet,” Cron said. “He didn’t get much opportunity… we didn’t give him the ball a whole lot down those edges, so he’ll be disappointed he didn’t get a lot of ball.”
Lomax will start on the right wing with George Bridge shifting to outside centre. This change is expected to provide more space for Lomax to showcase his skills.
Round 10 Team News
Blues v Highlanders
The Blues have been bolstered by the return of captain Patrick Tuipulotu for their match against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday night. Tuipulotu’s return is a major boost for the side, as he makes his first appearance of 2026 after recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.
In addition to Tuipulotu, Test loose forwards Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu are also named to start after overcoming back and knee injuries respectively.
“Having Patrick back is massive for us. He’s a leader who drives standards on and off the field. You can feel the lift in the group with him back out on the field,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.
NSW Waratahs v Moana Pasifika
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be at Allianz Stadium on Friday night as the NSW Waratahs host Moana Pasifika in Sydney. It promises to be an emotional night after Moana announced this season would be their last.
The Waratahs are eighth and desperately need to win to keep their finals hopes alive. Back-rower Angus Scott-Young has been named in the starting lineup for the first time.
“Moana Pasifika will be a significant challenge for us,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said. “They’re big, powerful men, who have got the ability to be really dangerous off turnover ball and can go front door or they can go the back door.”
Chiefs v Hurricanes
Captain Luke Jacobson will become the 14th centurion in Chiefs history on Saturday night when they welcome the Hurricanes to Hamilton. Jacobson debuted for the Chiefs in 2018 and was named captain in 2024.
All Blacks star Wallace Sititi returns via the bench. Sititi has been out of action since a hamstring injury suffered in round three. Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has made just one change to the starting lineup for the top-of-the-table clash, with lock Isaia Walker-Leawere replacing Caleb Delany.
Both teams have six forwards and just two backs on their benches.
“It’s a hugely exciting weekend to go up to the Chiefs, who have played particularly well over the past few weeks,” Laidlaw said.
ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua
ACT Brumbies star Tom Wright will make his long-awaited return in Saturday night’s showdown with the Drua in Canberra. Wright tore his ACL against the Springboks last year and will start at fullback in place of Andy Muirhead.
Charlie Cale will miss the clash as he undergoes assessment on a shoulder injury, with Tuaina Taii Tualima named to start at No.8 in his place. Flanker Luke Reimer is rewarded with a start after strong performances off the bench, replacing Rory Scott.
Western Force v Crusaders
Zac Lomax will make his first Super Rugby start against the might of the defending champion Crusaders in Perth on Saturday night. Lomax will start on the right wing with George Bridge shifting to outside centre.
Force coach Simon Cron wants to bring Lomax into the game early and bemoaned one or two failed opportunities in his debut to unleash the former NRL tryscoring machine.
“He’s just finding his feet,” Cron said. “He didn’t get much opportunity… we didn’t give him the ball a whole lot down those edges, so he’ll be disappointed he didn’t get a lot of ball.”
BYE: Queensland Reds
