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Robbie Deans didn\u2019t waste a second in bringing Israel Folau into the Wallabies set-up in 2013 despite the high-stakes nature of a Lions series. Now, with the World Cup fast approaching, Les Kiss must decide whether to follow the lead of the New Zealander and rush Zac Lomax into the Wallabies squad for the November Nations Championship Tests.<\/p>\n
The former NSW State of Origin winger showed enough to suggest he can be the answer to the Wallabies\u2019 troubles under the high ball,<\/a> dominating the skies in his first foray for Australia A in the 52-0 demolition of the USA Eagles in New Jersey on Saturday.<\/p>\n Lomax won several balls in the air, set up a try and saved one in his 60-minute spell wearing the No.13 jersey \u2013 where fellow code-hopper Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has played most of his rugby since switching from the Roosters.<\/p>\n Lomax\u2019s performance was by no means faultless \u2013 he was penalised for playing the ball on the ground once after tripping over as he attempted to collect a grubber near the Eagles\u2019 line \u2013 but the 27-year-old\u2019s point of difference is undeniable.<\/p>\n With Japan-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase no certainty to pledge his allegiance to the Wallabies in 2027, Lomax showed he has the tools to help solve the national team\u2019s struggles in the air \u2013 and why he should be considered only on the wing.<\/p>\n Kiss has been at pains to point out that there are several quality wingers in Australian rugby, including Max Jorgensen, but none have Lomax\u2019s awesome aerial ability.<\/p>\n The recent Bledisloe Cup series laid bare the Wallabies\u2019 deficiencies under the high ball, with their back three, including Tom Wright and Harry Potter, smashed in the air by the All Blacks.<\/p>\n A week after Australia A thumped the Eagles 61-12 in Nashville, Stephen Larkham\u2019s side was again far too good for the 2031 World Cup hosts, running in eight tries to nil.<\/p>\n While the demolition was a positive sign for Australia\u2019s depth \u2013 nine Wallabies featured in the 23 \u2013 the one-sided nature of the game was a concerning sign for World Rugby five years out from the Eagles hosting the game\u2019s showpiece event. After all, the Wallabies are ranked seventh on the World Rugby rankings.<\/p>\n Lomax wasn\u2019t the only one to have a field day at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with one-Test Wallaby Harry McLaughlin-Phillips finishing with 17 points after scoring a try and banging over six conversions.<\/p>\n The Western Force recruit\u2019s best moment came in the 14th minute, when he stepped back on the inside of the Eagles\u2019 rush defence and put away Joe Brial on halfway. The Queensland loose-forward, who was one of Australia\u2019s best, then found Lomax, who then sent spring tour-bound halfback Kalani Thomas under the sticks to score.<\/p>\n Test discard Nick Frost was also exceptional for Australia A. The 205cm lock scored a try, made a huge line break and also helped give the Eagles\u2019 lineout nightmares.<\/p>\n Related Article Outside backs Corey Toole and Mac Grealy also crossed during the rout and were threatening with every touch.<\/p>\n Despite showing plenty in attack, McLaughlin-Phillips said the team was most satisfied by shutting out their opponents.<\/p>\n \u201cHolding them to nil, they\u2019re a good side and not giving them any points was really good for us as a team,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n As the Wallabies flew to London ahead of next weekend\u2019s Test against England at Twickenham, Kiss would have been pleased the side came through with a clean bill of health, with prop Tom Lambert and halfback Thomas cleared to fly across the Atlantic to link up with the national team.<\/p>\n As it stands, Lomax won\u2019t be with them. But that will surely go down as a missed opportunity just 11 months out from the World Cup.<\/p>\n News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Friday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Harry](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/21c358874cb4e8191c511f2842f551c9f42f175a.jpeg\")
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips was one of Australia A\u2019s best during their big win over USA Eagles.Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/0a40d4b9daa58dbde970bc0c89dfde5324a1802e.jpeg\")
The Wallabies\u2019 back three have had troubles in the air, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii largely playing in the centres.Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Nick](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/b03ff059211292c85c58e15bfc2dff8afef31acb.jpeg\")
Nick Frost impressed for Australia A.Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Former](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1793433136_296_48a7c1e48c45c4ae44d98698e39661cfc76db5cd.jpeg\")
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