Zac Lomax shines with thrilling debut try as Western Force claw back 19-point deficit to seal victory

Zac Lomax well and truly put a stamp on his Super Rugby Pacific arrival, helping the Western Force overcome a 19-point deficit to stun the Crusaders 31-26 in Perth.

Making his first Super Rugby Pacific start, the ex-NRL star was calm under pressure and proved to be a key figure in several crucial moments.

His 54th minute try levelled the scores at HBF Park, putting the Force firmly back into the contest.

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Lomax was substituted after his thrilling maiden try in the 59th minute and the 6,659-crowd was later sent into a frenzy as the Force edged ahead in the 70th minute.

Momentum swung heavily towards the home team in the second half.

Following a chaotic moment in the 75th minute where the Crusaders mistakenly believed they had levelled the scores, the Force had to defend grimly for the closing stages of the match.

Carlo Tizzano ultimately won a crucial penalty at the breakdown to finally seal the victory, improving the Force's record to 3-6 and keep their finals hopes flickering.

"It's been a while since I scored a try, seven or eight months now," Lomax told Stan after the match.

"Just to start a game of footy really and get 59 minutes out now, I'm super pumped. And to get the win, that's more special.

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"You can see on the boys' faces, that win means so much for us. That performance has been coming."

Western Force will come to Sydney to face the Waratahs on Friday, May 1.