'It's perfect for Zac': Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt dishes on Lomax conversations and Anzac Day Test

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has outlined what it will take for Zac Lomax to force his way into Australia's squad for the home Nations Championship Tests in July.

Schmidt has spent the week with the Western Force in Perth ahead of their Super Rugby clash with the Queensland Reds on Saturday.

That allowed him some proper face time with the high profile code hopper who has made a strong start to life as a rugby winger.

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"We bounced a few observations back and forth," Schmidt said.

"We'll be watching over the next few weeks, three home games to finish the season. That's perfect for the Force, and it's perfect for Zac if he can get a rhythm through those games."

Schmidt, a former winger, was asked what he needed to see from Lomax to advance his selection claims in a competitive position.

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"Just see him get that playing rhythm. And there's a whole lot of elements to that playing rhythm," the New Zealander said.

"It's trying to get into the right place at the right time, because that's a little bit different from the 13-man code.

"Certainly his aerial attack has been strong. I think he's problem solving (defensively) really well."

Schmidt, a former All Blacks assistant coach, also spoke enthusiastically about plans for a historic Anzac Day Test next year.

He hoped it could be played as a trans-Tasman double header with the Wallaroos and Black Ferns also locking horns.

"How good would that be? I'd love to see that," Schmidt said.

"It would set the Bledisloe up really well, I think, into a three match series. It would be a really good early season taste for international footy in an isolated window there.

"I do think the Super clubs could work around it, having coached a lot in the northern hemisphere, where they have three bites of the cherry during the season, whereas our season is very much split first half Super, second half international," he believes.

"I think the players would adapt and teams would adapt to that. I'd love to see it happen, to be honest."

Meanwhile, the Force on Friday announced a contract extension for coach Simon Cron to take in the 2027 season.

"There's been a huge amount of work done over the past three-and-a-half years to build the environment, standards and culture within the club," Cron said.

"When it came to extending, there's definitely a sense of unfinished business. We've worked hard to put strong foundations in place and there's a real belief about where this group can go.

"There's also a deep connection and loyalty to the players and staff who have committed so much to building this club. Everyone here is incredibly driven to achieve success together and that's what continues to motivate and excite me."

Western Force v Queensland Reds

SAT 16 MAY: HBF Park, Perth (7.35pm kickoff AEST)FORCE (1-15): Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vailoni Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa'agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale

REDS (1-15): George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Luttis, Hamish Muller, Seru Uru, Joe Brial, Joe Bryant, Harry Wilson (c), Louis Werchon, Carter Gordon, Lachie Anderson, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Charlie Brosnan, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey

TMO: James Leckie