Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force once more name Zac Lomax on bench as Jeremy Williams set to return

After a prospective debut was scuppered last weekend, star Western Force cross-code recruit Zac Lomax is hoping second time’s a charm as he was named on the bench to face Fijian Drua on Saturday. And the former NRL star and NSW State of Origin winger is not the only big name addition for the Force, with captain and Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams also returning after missing their boilover win over Queensland Reds. However, the Force are down a trio of important players, with prop and reigning Nathan Sharpe Medallist Tom Robertson in concussion protocols, winger Darby Lancaster out with an ankle injury and second rower Darcy Swain set to miss through illness. Lomax will once again start as a reserve after it appeared he would make his hotly-anticipated 15-aside debut last Saturday, only for the Force to scratch him pre-game due to hamstring tightness. Force coach Simon Cron hinted Lomax was still a chance to face the Drua this weekend, and he has followed through on the promise by naming the former rugby league flyer on the bench. Lancaster’s spot on the wing will be taken by former All Black George Bridge, who will shift from No.13 with Hamish Stewart returning to the starting line-up at outside centre to partner Bayley Kuenzle in midfield. Kuenzle has played wing throughout the past three seasons, but Cron has resisted the temptation to move him out wide to cover Lancaster’s loss after he delivered an impressive showing against Queensland in his natural position. In further good news, Dylan Pietsch has also been named to start despite coming off at half-time in his first game back against the Reds. Williams will partner hat-trick hero Franco Molina at lock on his return, while Robertson’s place will be taken by Sef Fa’agase, with Marley Pearce added to the bench. Cron has backed in Misinale Epenisa at tighthead prop despite the Force’s early scrum woes against the Reds. Kurtley Beale will play his 181st Super Rugby game off the bench, equaling Sam Whitelock in joint-fifth in competition history. Western Force XV vs Fijian Drua Saturday, Churchill Park, 12.35pm WST Sef Fa’agase, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams (c) Nick Champion de Crespigny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Jack Daly Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart Dylan Pietsch, Mac Grealy, George Bridge Substitutes: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Kurtley Beale, Zac Lomax.