Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 is packed with blockbuster clashes, headlined by two fierce interstate derbies and a historic first in Fiji. The Crusaders host the Highlanders in a South Island showdown, the Reds welcome the Waratahs to Suncorp Stadium, and the Fijian Drua make history by playing their maiden match in Ba. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes look to continue their blistering form against the Force in Napier, and the Blues take on Moana Pasifika in a battle of Auckland neighbours.

Key storylines:

• Ruben Love and Tyrel Lomax return from injury for the Hurricanes
• Brad Shields earns his 100th Super Rugby start at blindside flanker
• Fijian Drua play their first-ever match in Ba at Four R Stadium
• Rob Valetini makes his 100th Super Rugby appearance for the Brumbies
• Will Jordan returns at fullback as the Crusaders seek to bounce back
• Johnny Lee set for Super Rugby debut; Tomas Lavanini makes Highlanders debut
• Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out for 6-8 weeks with hamstring injury
• Beauden Barrett makes first official start of the season for the Blues

After four rounds, the competition ladder is remarkably tight. The Brumbies lead on 15 points from three wins, with the Chiefs (13 points) and Hurricanes (11 points) in hot pursuit. Just six points separate first from seventh, setting up a pivotal weekend of action.

Friday 14 March

Hurricanes v Western Force

McLean Park, Napier — 7:05pm NZDT / 5:05pm AEDT

The Hurricanes return to Napier in commanding form following their comprehensive 59–12 demolition of the Waratahs in Round 4. That nine-try performance underlined their attacking potency, and head coach Clark Laidlaw has strengthened his squad further with the return of two key All Blacks. Ruben Love and Tyrel Lomax are set to make their first appearances of the season from the bench, having recovered from ankle and thumb injuries respectively. Love’s return adds another dimension to an already lethal backline that torched the Waratahs last week.

Ex-England international Brad Shields earns his 100th Super Rugby start at blindside flanker, pushing Hastings local Devan Flanders to No 8. The co-captaincy of Jordie Barrett and Du’Plessis Kirifi continues to provide strong leadership, while Cam Roigard’s running game at halfback remains a constant threat.

The Force arrive in New Zealand having pushed the Highlanders in Dunedin before falling 39–31. Ben Donaldson directs play at first five-eighth, with the experienced Kurtley Beale providing direction at inside centre. Jeremy Williams captains the side from the second row, alongside Wallaby lock Darcy Swain. Off the field, the Force received a boost this week with the signing of Wallabies and former NRL star Zac Lomax, though he is not yet available for selection. Despite their competitive showing last week, the Force face a significant step up against a Hurricanes outfit that has averaged over 40 points across their three wins this season.

Hurricanes: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Bailyn Sullivan, 13 Jone Rova, 12 Jordie Barrett (co-c), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Callum Harkin, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Devan Flanders, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), 6 Brad Shields, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Jacob Devery, 1 Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Warner Dearns, 20 Brayden Iose, 21 Jordi Viljoen, 22 Ruben Love, 23 Riley Higgins.

Force: 15 Max Burey, 14 Darby Lancaster, 13 George Bridge, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Bayley Kuenzle, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Will Harris, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Jeremy Williams (c), 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Lopeti Faifua, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Taj Annan, 23 Hamish Stewart.

Referee: Todd Petrie. Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Ben Woolerton. TMO: Glenn Newman.

Saturday 14 March

Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies

Four R Stadium, Ba — 3:35pm FJT / 2:35pm AEDT

History beckons in Ba as the Fijian Drua host their first-ever Super Rugby Pacific match at Four R Stadium. The venue shift from their traditional Suva and Lautoka bases adds another chapter to Fiji’s growing rugby story, and the home side will be eager to deliver for a new audience after their bye week.

Captain Frank Lomani leads from halfback, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula pulling strings at first five-eighth. The back three of Iliasia Droasese, Joji Nasova, and Ponipate Loganimasi offers pace and flair, while the pack is anchored by the physical presence of No 8 Elia Canakaivata. The Drua have shown glimpses of their attacking prowess this season but have struggled for consistency, winning just one of their three matches.

The Brumbies arrive as competition leaders following three wins from four, though their most recent outing saw a dramatic late collapse against the Reds in Canberra. Coach Stephen Larkham has made several changes amid player management protocols, but welcomes back two key figures: Rob Valetini returns to the No 8 jersey for his milestone 100th Super Rugby appearance, while Nick Frost makes his first start of the season at lock. Corey Toole also returns to the wing after missing last week.

Andy Muirhead captains from fullback in what shapes as a stern test of the Brumbies’ depth. The visitors have won all five previous meetings between these sides, but the Drua’s passionate home support and the novelty of a new venue could prove unsettling. Larkham’s men will need to be clinical against a Drua outfit that thrives on chaos and broken play.

Fijian Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (c), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Iosefo Namoce.

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead (c), 14 Corey Toole, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Kye Oates, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Klayton Thorn, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Luke Reimer, 6 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 5 Toby Macpherson, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Darcy Breen, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Lington Ieli.
Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Lachie Shaw, 20 Rory Scott, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Declan Meredith, 23 Hudson Creighton.

Referee: Paul Williams. Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Michael Winter. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Crusaders v Highlanders

Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch — 7:05pm NZDT / 5:05pm AEDT

The South Island derby returns to Christchurch with the Crusaders desperate to arrest a worrying slide. Last week’s 29–13 defeat to the Blues in Auckland was comprehensive and exposed significant issues with ball retention. Head coach Rob Penney has demanded improvement, acknowledging the error rate and inconsistency that plagued his side at Eden Park.

The Crusaders have responded with several key changes. All Blacks fullback Will Jordan returns after missing last week’s match, providing a much-needed injection of class and counter-attacking threat. Tasman loose forward Johnny Lee earns a debut in the No 7 jersey following injuries to Corey Kellow and Dominic Gardiner, while Braydon Ennor replaces Leicester Fainga’anuku at centre. Chay Fihaki celebrates his 50th Crusaders appearance in a milestone moment, with Penney praising the wing’s maturity and development into a player who brings composure and skill.

There has been heat at training this week too, with a scuffle between Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Will Tucker requiring captain David Havili’s intervention. That intensity will need to be channelled appropriately against a Highlanders outfit that has already beaten them once this season.

The Highlanders travel with quiet confidence after their Round 1 victory in Dunedin. Coach Jamie Joseph expects another tight affair, noting that these derbies traditionally come down to discipline and composure. Argentine lock Tomas Lavanini makes his long-awaited Highlanders debut after being restricted to development team appearances so far this season. The 33-year-old’s physicality adds grunt to the second row, though his discipline — he has three international red cards to his name — will be closely monitored.

Tanielu Tele’a comes in at outside centre to replace the injured Jonah Lowe, while the co-captaincy of Sean Withy and Timoci Tavatavanawai provides experienced leadership. The Highlanders have won two of the last five meetings between these sides and will fancy their chances of completing a season sweep.

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (c), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tahlor Cahill, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Will Tucker, 20 Xavier Saifoloi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Dallas McLeod.

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Lucas Casey, 7 Sean Withy (co-c), 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Tomas Lavanini, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Oli Haig, 20 Nikora Broughton, 21 Veveni Lasaqa, 22 Adam Lennox, 23 Reesjan Pasitoa.

Referee: Jordan Way. Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey. TMO: James Leckie.

Unavailable — Crusaders: Corey Kellow (injury), Dominic Gardiner (injury), Jamie Hannah (injury).

Unavailable — Highlanders: Jonah Lowe (injury).

Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 6:35pm AEST / 7:35pm AEDT

Australian rugby’s fiercest rivalry resumes at Suncorp Stadium with the Reds seeking revenge for their Round 1 defeat in Sydney. Les Kiss’s men arrive buoyed by last week’s remarkable comeback victory over the Brumbies in Canberra, where they overturned a significant deficit to claim four competition points. That result showcased the Reds’ character and attacking weapons, with Carter Gordon pulling strings at first five-eighth.

Tim Ryan returns to the wing this week, while Seru Uru moves into the starting second row in place of Josh Canham. The backrow combination of Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, and Joe Brial remains intact, providing a potent blend of carrying power and breakdown excellence. The Reds have won four of their last five meetings with the Waratahs and will be confident of maintaining that dominance in front of a partisan Brisbane crowd.

The Waratahs face a rebuilding job after their 59–12 humiliation at the hands of the Hurricanes last week. Coach Dan McKellar has swung the axe, making several changes in a bid to spark a response. The biggest blow comes in the centres, where superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring in the warm-up before the Hurricanes match.

McKellar challenged his squad to step up in Suaalii’s absence, noting that the next man simply has to take his opportunity. Triston Reilly comes in at outside centre, while second-gamer Sid Harvey earns a start on the wing. Matt Philip continues to captain the side from lock, with the experienced Pete Samu providing ballast in the backrow.

The Waratahs’ capitulation in Sydney raises questions about their depth and resolve. Without their “Ferrari” Suaalii for potentially two-thirds of the season, they will need others to emerge. This clash shapes as a pivotal moment for both sides’ finals aspirations.

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

Waratahs: 15 James Hendren, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Triston Reilly, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Sid Harvey, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert.
Replacements: 16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Miles Amatosero, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Lawson Creighton, 23 Harry Potter.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe. Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert. TMO: Richard Kelly.

Unavailable — Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (hamstring — 6-8 weeks).

Sunday 15 March

Blues v Moana Pasifika

Eden Park, Auckland — 3:35pm NZDT / 1:35pm AEDT

The battle of Auckland neighbours concludes the round, with the Blues looking to build momentum after their impressive victory over the Crusaders. Beauden Barrett makes his first official start of the season at first five-eighth after being thrust into action last week when Stephen Perofeta injured his calf in the warm-up. The veteran All Black showed his class in guiding the Blues to a comfortable win, and captain Dalton Papali’i affectionately described him as an “old fossil” who can still deliver the goods.

Caleb Clarke was devastating against the Crusaders, scoring a hat-trick to underline his finishing prowess. The powerful wing will again be a focal point of the Blues’ attack, alongside the dynamic backrow trio of Hoskins Sotutu, Papali’i, and Anton Segner. Halfback Finlay Christie sits out under the All Blacks rest policy, with Sam Nock deputising.

The Blues could easily be 4-0 through four rounds — their two losses have been narrow and contentious. This fixture should provide an opportunity to find their rhythm against a Moana Pasifika side that has struggled for consistency.

Moana Pasifika showed fight in the first half against the Chiefs in Round 4 before falling away completely after the break. Former All Black Atu Moli makes his debut at tighthead prop, adding international experience to the front row. However, another ex-All Black, Ngani Laumape, has been relegated to the bench as coach Aaron Mauger searches for the right combination.

Captain Miracle Faiilagi leads from blindside flanker, with Augustine Pulu and Patrick Pellegrini forming the halfback combination. Moana Pasifika have beaten the Blues once in five meetings and will need to produce something special to spring an upset at Eden Park.

Blues: 15 Cole Forbes, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Beehre, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Malachi Wrampling, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Pita Ahki, 23 Zarn Sullivan.

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Tevita Latu, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Monu Moli, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Veikoso Poloniati, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Joel Lam, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 Tuna Tuitama.

Referee: James Doleman. Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon. TMO: Glenn Newman.

Unavailable — Blues: Stephen Perofeta (calf), Finlay Christie (All Blacks rest).

BYE: Chiefs

The Chiefs enjoy a well-earned rest after their commanding win over Moana Pasifika in Round 4. Clayton McMillan’s men sit second on the ladder with 13 points from three wins and will return refreshed for the challenges ahead.

Milestones

• Brad Shields (Hurricanes) — 100th Super Rugby start
• Chay Fihaki (Crusaders) — 50th Crusaders appearance
• Rob Valetini (Brumbies) — 100th Super Rugby appearance

Debuts

• Johnny Lee (Crusaders) — Super Rugby debut at flanker
• Atu Moli (Moana Pasifika) — Club debut at tighthead prop
• Tomas Lavanini (Highlanders) — Club debut at lock

Where to watch

Australia: Stan Sport (all matches, ad-free, live and on demand); Nine Network (Saturday 7:35pm AEDT match, live)
New Zealand: Sky Sport
Fiji: Sky Pacific (pay TV); Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (free-to-air)
United Kingdom & Ireland: Sky UK
United States & Canada: ESPN; FloSports (USA territories); TSN (Canada)
Pacific Islands: Digicel
Japan: Wowow
South Africa & Africa: SuperSport
France: Canal+
Rest of World: NZR+ (streaming)

Former NRL star Zac Lomax has signed a two-year deal with the Western Force and Rugby Australia, effective immediately, as he pursues his ambition of representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Key points:

• Zac Lomax signs two-year deal with Western Force and Rugby Australia, effective immediately
• The 26-year-old could debut against Chiefs on 28 March after Force’s bye week
• Lomax returns to rugby union after 11 years, last playing the sport at age 15
• Deal worth approximately A$400,000 per season, roughly half his Parramatta contract
• Becomes fourth high-profile NRL player to switch codes ahead of 2027 World Cup
• Played 133 NRL games, represented NSW in State of Origin and Australia at Test level

The 26-year-old outside back becomes the fourth high-profile rugby league player to commit to the 15-man game ahead of Australia’s hosting of the global tournament, following Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton in making the code switch.

Lomax, who represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Australia at Test level during 133 NRL appearances, will join the Force in Perth this week and could make his Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Chiefs on 28 March following the team’s bye week.

The Temora-born flyer returns to rugby union after playing the sport at junior representative level for NSW until age 15, before embarking on a successful rugby league career with St George Illawarra Dragons and Parramatta Eels that included State of Origin selection in 2024 and three Kangaroos Test caps.

“I’m incredibly excited and thankful to be joining the Western Force after reaching an agreement with Rugby Australia to make the switch to rugby union,” Lomax said in a statement released by Rugby Australia. “This is a huge opportunity and a challenge I’m really looking forward to embracing. Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that’s something that genuinely motivates me.”

The signing comes after a tumultuous period for Lomax, who was released by Parramatta in November to pursue opportunities with the now-delayed rebel R360 competition. When that competition postponed its launch until 2028, Lomax found himself in limbo, with the Eels blocking his proposed transfer to Melbourne Storm in the NSW Supreme Court last week.

However, at Tuesday’s press conference in Sydney, Lomax insisted he had no regrets about his career decisions and was focused solely on the challenge ahead in Perth.

“It’s me that’s made the decisions and it’s me that has the consequences,” Lomax told reporters at Rugby Australia headquarters. “I’ve been so thankful and grateful for everything that rugby league has given me, but this is the future and I’m leaving at the peak of my career in rugby league terms. That motivates me to start building the game from the ground up as a player.”

Lomax was candid about the scale of the challenge facing him, having last played rugby union more than a decade ago. “I know it’s a mountain that I’m at the bottom of and I really want to climb and become the best rugby union player that I possibly can,” he said. “Realistically, there’s so much that I need to learn. I’m a novice to the game.”

Force head coach Simon Cron expressed confidence in Lomax’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of Super Rugby Pacific. “Zac and Kayla came to Perth late last year and we spent some time together talking about the Force and how we want to play,” Cron said. “He has remained in contact during the process and has always been extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity of joining the players who have chosen Perth as their home.”

Lomax revealed that Wallabies prop Angus Bell played a crucial role in his decision to switch codes. “I’m really close mates with Angus Bell, actually. I’ve been in real close contact with him throughout the whole process,” Lomax explained. “We’re managed by the same people, and he’s a real good friend of mine, so he was a big factor as to what I wanted to go over to. Their take on the game is always really good, and they love how rugby union is run along with the travel.”

Bell has emerged as something of a league whisperer, having previously guided Suaalii’s transition to rugby union after the pair played school football together before the former Rooster joined the Waratahs.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh welcomed the acquisition as part of the organisation’s strategic preparation for the 2027 World Cup. “Zac is a superb athlete with a proven track record at representative level in rugby league and we believe he has the talent and drive to make a successful transition to rugby,” Waugh stated. “We have entered an incredibly exciting period for Australian Rugby and Zac now has the opportunity to make a strong impression in Super Rugby Pacific and push for higher honours as we approach a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.”

Waugh also issued a rallying cry to fans of Australia’s other football codes, urging them to get behind the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign. “I’ve often said, we want to get the whole country behind rugby in this country as we go forward to the World Cup,” Waugh told reporters. “If you follow AFL, NRL, we want everyone behind the Wallabies as we go through to 2027.”

The signing has been framed by Rugby Australia as a disciplined financial decision rather than a desperate spending spree. “We’ve been really disciplined right across the organisation for a number of years now to ensure that the game’s financially sustainable,” Waugh explained. “As we look at our overall cost envelope, we need to ensure that we’re disciplined in how we spend that.”

Lomax’s deal, reported to be worth approximately A$400,000 per season, represents roughly half the value of his Parramatta contract but provides him with the opportunity to compete on rugby’s global stage.

Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne emphasised the strategic importance of building depth across Australian rugby ahead of the World Cup. “Building depth across Australian Rugby has been a priority as we build towards next year’s home Rugby World Cup and the addition of Zac is a positive development for our system,” Horne said. “Zac is embracing the challenge of playing a new code, albeit one he has played before at a junior level, and the opportunity to take his talents to a worldwide audience.”

At 190 centimetres and 105 kilograms, Lomax brings considerable physical attributes to the Force backline. Western Force coach Cron indicated the powerful runner would initially be deployed at fullback or on the wing, though his versatility could see him feature across the back three.

Lomax addressed criticism from rugby league circles regarding his comment that rugby union is a “truly global sport”, insisting it was not intended as a slight against his former code. “Comments can be taken many different ways, but for me, it’s the reality that rugby is a truly global sport,” he explained. “It’s played in more than 100 different countries, and that’s something that absolutely attracts me as a player. The travel that they do around the world – everyone that I speak to in regards to rugby and playing for the Wallabies, that’s the first thing that makes their eyes light up.”

Beyond his try-scoring ability and powerful running game, Lomax offers valuable goal-kicking prowess, maintaining a 78 per cent accuracy rate throughout his NRL career. This skill could prove invaluable for both the Force and potentially the Wallabies, who ranked ninth among tier-one nations for try conversions in 2025 with just 72.9 per cent success.

Lomax joins a Western Force squad that includes former All Black George Bridge and 95-Test Wallaby Kurtley Beale as the Perth-based franchise continues building towards finals contention in Super Rugby Pacific.

The code-hopper acknowledged the significant learning curve ahead but expressed enthusiasm about the growth opportunity. “I know I’ve got a lot to learn, and that’s something that truly excites me, the growth in rugby union player that I could potentially become,” Lomax said. “I’ve put all my faith in Crony and the team over there at Western Force and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

For Lomax, the ultimate goal remains clear: representing Australia at the 2027 Rugby World Cup and potentially becoming a dual international. “Anyone who plays rugby union would be lying to you if they told you they didn’t want to play for their country. That’s your highest honour,” he stated. “For me, a home World Cup is massive. Hopefully to one day be a dual international is something that I would absolutely be proud of.”

The Wallabies, under new coach Les Kiss following Joe Schmidt’s departure, face a significant challenge to transform their fortunes ahead of the World Cup. After a promising start to 2025 that included series victories over the British and Irish Lions and a historic win over South Africa at Ellis Park, Australia lost seven of their final eight Tests, including a winless tour of Europe.

Lomax will compete for selection in a crowded Wallabies back three that includes the electrifying Max Jorgensen, returning star Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch and the brilliant Tom Wright, whose ACL injury robbed Australia of their most potent attacking weapon during last year’s autumn internationals.

The Wallabies will host Ireland, France and Italy in July as part of the Nations Championship before travelling to face England, Scotland and Wales in November, providing Lomax with ample opportunity to stake his claim for World Cup selection.

With Suaalii thriving in the centres, Crichton set to arrive at the Waratahs in 2027, Nawaqanitawase returning from Japan, and now Lomax joining the Force immediately, Rugby Australia’s strategy of targeting rugby league players with union backgrounds appears designed to replicate the success of the 2003 World Cup team, which featured a back three of league converts in Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor.

As Lomax prepares to fly to Perth this week, Western Force supporters will eagerly anticipate his arrival, hopeful that the powerful runner’s athleticism, goal-kicking prowess and fierce competitiveness can help drive their team towards finals football whilst simultaneously positioning himself for Wallabies selection in what shapes as a defining period for Australian rugby.

Carter Gordon scored with the last play of the match to seal a dramatic 34–31 victory for the Queensland Reds over the ACT Brumbies at a storm-delayed GIO Stadium, ending Queensland’s five-game losing streak against their Australian rivals.

The Brumbies looked home and hosed leading 31–20 with barely a minute remaining, but two tries in the final two minutes — the first to Filipo Daugunu and the second to Gordon in the 82nd minute — completed one of the great comebacks in Super Rugby Pacific history.

The match was delayed by 85 minutes due to a spectacular lightning storm around Canberra, with multiple strikes within 10km of the stadium forcing repeated postponements. When play finally got underway at 9pm local time, the drama on the field more than made up for the wait.

“We didn’t start that well but certainly worked our way back into the game in the first half in pretty good fashion,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said. “To finish like we did at the back end of the game after all the shenanigans early was special from the boys.”

The hosts raced to a 12–0 lead inside nine minutes. Lachie Shaw powered over from the back of a maul after the Reds dropped the restart and conceded a scrum penalty, before Charlie Cale continued his stunning season by racing down the tramline after good work from wingers Kye Oates and Hudson Creighton.

But the Reds found their groove through two quality tries. First, Harry Wilson produced a beauty of an offload in contact to put winger Lachie Anderson over near the corner. Then came the try of the match — a sweeping move down the left that involved Carter Gordon, centre Isaac Henry, Wilson and flanker Fraser McReight before Josh Flook scooted over untouched to give the visitors a 17–12 lead.

Cale struck again with his second of the evening after a persistent Brumbies attack, but Louis Werchon’s penalty on the stroke of half-time gave the Reds a 20–19 advantage at the break — the third lead change of a pulsating first 40 minutes.

The second half became a battle of attrition as both sides struggled to put phases together. The Reds coughed up 18 turnovers to the Brumbies’ 13, and Kiss’s side found themselves unable to crack the hosts’ rigid defence.

Fullback Andy Muirhead crashed over to restore the Brumbies’ lead in the 62nd minute after they turned down an easy three points, backing themselves from five metres out. Then Luke Reimer appeared to have sealed the victory when he latched onto a pinpoint crossfield kick from Tane Edmed with 10 minutes remaining, diving over from close range to push the lead to 31–20.

But the Reds refused to die. With less than two minutes on the clock, Daugunu picked from the base of the ruck near the posts and expertly kept his knees up, rolling off a defender and over the line. Werchon converted to make it 31–27.

What followed was chaos. Jock Campbell fielded the restart deep in his own quarter and produced a superb 45-metre break, beating several defenders before kicking ahead for rookie Treyvon Pritchard. Muirhead scrambled back desperately but Pritchard threw it back inside and the Brumbies knocked on, giving the Reds a five-metre scrum.

The Brumbies’ front row disintegrated under the pressure, conceding a penalty. The Reds called for another scrum, then went again. From the ruck, Werchon fed Gordon, who angled a run towards the corner, skinned opposite number Edmed, and dived over to complete the heist.

“We didn’t spend a lot of time up on the Brumbies tryline so for Carter to take the bull by the horns in that moment was certainly very good for us and him for sure,” Kiss said.

Gordon’s heroics capped a remarkable return to rugby union. The former Wallabies playmaker only played his first competition game since 2024 last Friday after a stint with Gold Coast in the NRL. In a nice touch on Club Rugby Round, Gordon wore a sock each from the two clubs that shaped him — Sunshine Coast Grammar and Wests.

The result was not without controversy. Television replays suggested Daugunu may have knocked on from the kick-off after his try, with the ball appearing to touch McReight in an offside position. But the officials allowed play to continue, setting up Gordon’s match-winner.

“That’s a shocker,” former Wallaby Justin Harrison said on the Stan Sport broadcast.

The loss put a dampener on what should have been a milestone night for James Slipper, who equalled Wyatt Crockett’s record of 202 Super Rugby Pacific appearances.

“There’s not much to say,” Slipper said. “I’m obviously very proud to get to 202 games, but mate, I’d trade it all in to get a result tonight. Just the way that unfolded there, kind of put a dampener on things.”

For the Brumbies, it was a cruel reversal of fortune after they had come from behind to beat the Blues in similar fashion last week. Cale’s two tries took his season tally to seven in four games, continuing his push for a Wallabies recall.

“It’s tough. We got the better end of the stick last week against the Blues in a very similar situation,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said. “There’s nothing much we can do about it now. There was certainly some good stuff in the game and some good performances.”

The Reds will sweat on the fitness of Anderson, who was taken to hospital with an arm injury. His early departure handed 18-year-old Pritchard an extended debut of 64 minutes on the wing — including one moment where he beat the tackle of his elder brother Kadin, playing in the Brumbies’ centres.

“Treyvon has been impressive for the past six months,” Kiss said. “He’s a great lad and he’ll only be better for that outing.”

The Reds return home to face the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday, while the Brumbies travel to Fiji to take on the Drua.

Key moments

3 mins – TRY BRUMBIES: Perfect start for the hosts. The Reds drop the restart and the Brumbies win the scrum penalty, setting up a five-metre lineout. Lachie Shaw picks and goes off the back of the maul and powers over just left of the posts. Ryan Lonergan converts. (Brumbies 7–0)

9 mins – TRY BRUMBIES: Charlie Cale’s red-hot form continues. The Brumbies bounce infield off the lineout with players in motion. Kye Oates finds space on the right edge and pops it outside for Cale, who races down the tramline and dots down in the corner. Lonergan misses from wide. (Brumbies 12–0)

15 mins – TRY REDS: The Reds hit back through Lachie Anderson. Harry Wilson produces a beauty of an offload in contact, finding Anderson who pumps his legs and powers over near the corner. Louis Werchon converts. (Brumbies 12–7)

17 mins – TRY DISALLOWED: Declan Meredith appears to score after scooping up a loose ball from a Fraser McReight turnover, but the TMO spots a knock-on in the lead-up. The Reds survive.

22 mins – PENALTY REDS: Werchon slots from in front after the Brumbies are pinged for offside. (Brumbies 12–10)

28 mins – TRY REDS: Silky hands from the Reds as they work it down the left from the Brumbies’ 10. Jock Campbell gets it away quickly for Filipo Daugunu, who pops it outside for Wilson. The Wallabies captain fires a quick ball inside for Josh Flook, who races in the last 15 metres untouched. Werchon converts. (Brumbies 12–17)

36 mins – TRY BRUMBIES: Cale gets his double! The Brumbies set up the attacking lineout and push forward with the maul. Billy Pollard has a dash but is short, then Cale picks and goes with power and muscles it down 10 metres in from the left touchline. Lonergan converts. (Brumbies 19–17)

40+1 mins – PENALTY REDS: The Reds steal the lead on the siren. David Feliuai is pinged for killing the ruck and Werchon slots from 35 metres, just left of centre. (Brumbies 19–20)

Half-time: Brumbies 19–20 Reds. A cracker of a first half with both sides showing plenty of adventure. The Brumbies raced to a 12–0 lead through Shaw and Cale before the Reds hit back with tries to Anderson and Flook. Cale’s second restored the hosts’ lead, but Werchon’s penalty on the siren gave Queensland a one-point advantage at the break.

46 mins – CLOSE CALL: Lonergan makes up serious ground to stop Kalani Thomas after a clever grubber from Carter Gordon. The Brumbies scramble back to dot down in-goal.

49 mins – MEREDITH SPARKS HOSTS: Declan Meredith’s smart chip and chase gets the Brumbies rolling inside the 22, but they knock on at the back of the ruck. Reds scrum.

55 mins – REDS ON THE MARCH: The Reds work their way inside the five-metre line with Daugunu going close, but initial penalty calls are waved off after a knock-on in the lead-up. Treyvon Pritchard then nearly scores in the corner but is bundled into touch a metre out.

62 mins – TRY BRUMBIES: Andy Muirhead crashes over! The Brumbies turn down an easy three and back themselves from five metres out. After several pick-and-goes, Muirhead receives the ball on the left, steps back inside and muscles it down in contact. Lonergan misses the conversion, hitting the right upright. (Brumbies 24–20)

73 mins – TRY BRUMBIES: Luke Reimer delivers what looks like the match-sealer! Tane Edmed puts up a pinpoint crossfield kick that hits Reimer on the chest. He’s dragged down just short but gets the ball a few phases later, diving over from close range. Lonergan converts. (Brumbies 31–20)

79 mins – TRY REDS: Daugunu gives the Reds hope! The winger picks from the base of the ruck and expertly keeps his knees up, rolling off a defender and over the line. Werchon converts. (Brumbies 31–27)

80 mins – CAMPBELL SPARKS CHAOS: From the restart, Jock Campbell runs 50 metres from near his own in-goal, beating several defenders before kicking through for Treyvon Pritchard. Muirhead scrambles back to stop him but Pritchard throws it back inside and the Brumbies knock on. Reds scrum five metres out.

80+1 mins – SCRUM PENALTY REDS: The Brumbies disintegrate in the front row and concede a penalty. The Reds call for another scrum.

80+3 mins – TRY REDS: THE REDS STEAL IT! From the scrum, Werchon fires it outside for Gordon, who skips to the outside of Edmed and dives over in the corner! What a finish! Werchon converts from wide. (Brumbies 31–34)

Full-time: Brumbies 31–34 Reds

Teams

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Kye Oates, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Hudson Creighton, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Tuiana Taii Tualima, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Lachie Shaw, 3 Rhys van Nek, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Austin Anderson.

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Seru Uru, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

Match details

Brumbies 31 (Tries: Shaw, Cale 2, Muirhead, Reimer; Conversions: Lonergan 3/5)
Reds 34 (Tries: Anderson, Flook, Daugunu, Gordon; Conversions: Werchon 4/4; Penalties: Werchon 2/2)
Half-time: 19–20

Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey
TMO: James Leckie

Notes: Kick-off was delayed by 85 minutes due to a lightning storm around Canberra. James Slipper equalled Wyatt Crockett’s record for the most capped Super Rugby Pacific player with his 202nd appearance. Corey Toole (leg) and Ollie Sapsford (hamstring) were late withdrawals for the Brumbies. Lachie Anderson departed early with an arm injury and was taken to hospital, with Treyvon Pritchard making his debut.