Western Force Set Sights on Greatness After Strong Finish to Super Rugby Pacific Season
The Western Force are already looking ahead to next season with renewed ambition, buoyed by a strong closing performance in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Coach Simon Cron has issued a clear call for his squad to strive for greatness, a goal bolstered by the continued presence of veteran Kurtley Beale and the impressive form of newcomer Zac Lomax.
The Force concluded their season on a high note, staging a remarkable comeback against the NSW Waratahs in Perth. Trailing 20-7, they rallied to secure a hard-fought 31-25 victory in challenging, rain-soaked conditions. This win marked their fifth triumph in their last six matches, culminating in a respectable 7-7 season record and a seventh-place finish on the ladder. Crucially, this is the first time since their 2014 campaign (a 9-7 record) that the Perth-based franchise has avoided a losing win-loss record.
Despite the positive finish, a sense of ‘what if’ lingers for Coach Cron. He admitted that the absence of bonus points ultimately proved to be the difference between a strong season and a maiden finals berth. However, he expressed immense pride in the significant progress the team has made throughout the year.
“We live by a bit of a ‘it was good and good is the enemy of great’ motto, so we’ve got to keep pushing to be great,” Cron stated. “But for now, what they’ve done the last eight weeks, very proud of them and what they’ve achieved, and how hard they’ve worked for it.”
Cron specifically highlighted the team’s improved mental fortitude, particularly their ability to perform under pressure in crucial moments. He credited the leadership within the squad, singling out Jeremy Williams and other key figures for fostering this development. “Their mental focus around being able to handle those big moments – it was a massive improvement led by (Jeremy Williams) and the other leaders in the team. They deserve a lot of credit.”
Lomax: A Mid-Season Game-Changer Poised for Further Development
Former NRL star Zac Lomax made an immediate and significant impact after joining the Force mid-season. He featured in the final seven games of the campaign, contributing two tries and adding considerable dynamism to the backline. The 26-year-old’s form has also put him in contention for a potential Wallabies call-up for the upcoming July fixtures.
Regardless of national team selection, Coach Cron is committed to a carefully managed program for Lomax. The focus will be on ensuring his physical resilience. “We want to bulletproof his body,” Cron explained. “He’s a big, strong man – he tells me that most days. So he will get a bit of a program to work on, and depending on what happens with the Wallabies, we’ll adjust his rugby depending on that.”
Beale: The Evergreen Influence Continues
The future of Kurtley Beale, a player whose career has been marked by numerous highs, remains bright. The 37-year-old veteran, who suffered a serious Achilles tendon tear in June 2024, has made a remarkable return to the field. Since rejoining the Force in April last year, Beale has been a pivotal contributor, often providing crucial impact and game-winning moments with his cameos off the bench in tight contests.
Cron is adamant that Beale will be remaining with the club. “He’ll be staying. I strongly suggest he’ll be staying,” he confirmed. “He’s part of the DNA now. And I know he’s keen to evolve into a coaching role in the future, probably after he slows down a bit, but as you saw tonight… he’s not slowing down.”
Beale’s continued presence, combined with the burgeoning talent of players like Lomax and the evident growth in team resilience, sets a promising foundation for the Western Force as they prepare to chase even greater success in the seasons to come. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and finish strongly indicates a significant shift in their competitive spirit, a quality that will be essential as they aim to challenge for the top honours in Super Rugby Pacific.
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