Rugby league convert Ryan Cross made an almost instant impression on his new code as he opened the scoring for the Western Force in their Super 14 trial against the Crusaders in Melbourne early yesterday morning.
But the Crusaders made the biggest impact, comfortably winning 28-12 against the
Force despite missing six All Blacks sitting out the first phases of the Super 14 this year.
Cross, who defected to rugby from the Sydney Roosters after almost a decade in the NRL, proved a success in his first rugby game since schoolboy days. He touched down in the ninth minute when he smartly changed his angle to run on to a ball from second-five Junior Pelesasa. Wallaby Cameron Shepherd converted to give the Force an early 7-0 lead.
Trying to cement a position in a competitive backline, centre Cross showed other nice touches as he brought his kicking game into play.
However, as the game progressed, the tireless work of loose forwards Jake Paringatai and Peter Nixon made the difference for the Crusaders. Leading 14-12 at halftime, the Crusaders made a number of changes and stepped up a notch in the second half, posting two unanswered tries to fullback Brent Ward and lock Isaac Ross.
The Crusaders used 28 players but reported no injury worries afterwards.
However, Chiefs medical staff will be busy tomorrow assessing a number of injuries before Thursday's pre-season hit-out against the Blues in Rotorua. Of most concern is centre Richard Kahui, who picked up a shoulder strain in last week's win against the Hurricanes in Wanganui. He is resting and will be reassessed tomorrow, as will No 8 Steven Bates, who strained his ankle.
The Blues are assessing Sam Tuitupou (neck) and Jerome Kaino (knee), injured after the pre-season match against the Reds last week.
- AGENCIES
