Zac Lomax and Dylan Pietsch should feel genuinely hard done by to miss out on selection for the Wallabies’ northern hemisphere tour for the Nations Championship. Rugby columnist Paul Cully, writing for the Sydney Herald (smh.com.au), reported that the pair’s absence represents a wasted opportunity given their standout Super Rugby form.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Omitting proven performers like Lomax and Pietsch feels like a wasted opportunity ahead of upcoming fixtures.
- The absence of Lomax and Pietsch feels like a wasted opportunity with Harry Potter and Filipo Daugunu picked ahead of them.
- Even though Lomax might have hurt his own cause by agreeing to join the PNG Chiefs starting in 2028, his high-level performances for the Force prove he is entirely single-minded and adept at shutting out external distractions.
The Case for the Wings
Lomax made an impressive entry into Super Rugby from round 9 onwards with the Western Force, displaying an elite skill set under the high ball. Cully reported that his superpower in aerial contests marked him down as a Test prospect on the wing, rather than a project in the midfield. Though he has been selected in the No.13 jersey for the Australia A fixture against the United States in New Jersey, scheduled for 11am on Saturday, AEDT, he is not genuinely considered a candidate for the Wallabies’ No.13 role at the Rugby World Cup.
Alongside him, Pietsch formed the best Australian wing combination in Super Rugby last season for the Force. Pietsch scored two tries for Australia A last weekend and brings defensive steel to the flanks. Cully noted that some of the soft defending on the edges witnessed against the All Blacks during the Bledisloe series would not have happened on Pietsch’s watch, as he tackles with the ferocity of a loose forward.
| Player | Franchise | Super Rugby Status | Touring Squad Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zac Lomax | Western Force | Utility Back / Winger | Australia A (New Jersey fixture) |
| Dylan Pietsch | Western Force | Winger | Omitted from Wallabies 35-man squad |
| Kurtley Beale | Western Force / SR AUS | Utility / Midfield | Added to Wallabies touring squad |
Midfield Experiments and Veteran Inclusions
The Wallabies’ touring party currently stands at 35 players. James Ramm and Kalani Thomas have been added, while Kurtley Beale was named to replace Hunter Paisami following a red card to David Feliuai last week and Tate McDermott’s return to Australia on fatherhood duties. Cully reported that Beale’s late inclusion is understandable given his solid form in Super Rugby and Super Rugby AUS.
While Beale’s 37-year-old legs cannot carry him through 80 minutes of Test rugby, his presence offers stability. He serves as a sensible starter in the No.12 jersey if it allows Len Ikitau to anchor No.13, keeping Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii impactful on the wing. However, the omission of Lomax and Pietsch remains a talking point as Les Kiss’ squad prepares for the northern series.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
