Benched Cross ready to strike
Despite being named on the bench, Wallaby replacement back Ryan Cross is relishing his first taste of Tri-Nations action against the Springboks at his home base of Subiaco Oval on Saturday.
Despite being named on the bench, Wallaby replacement back Ryan Cross is relishing his first taste of Tri-Nations action against the Springboks at his home base of Subiaco Oval on Saturday.
Cross, who had an outstanding Super 14 with the Western Force, continued his good run on the international stage by scoring a brace of tries against France in the second Test in Brisbane.
The former Rugby League star was also warming the pine in that 40-10 win over Les Bleus two weeks ago, but proved what impact he can have on a match if brought on as a super-sub.
“I'm just ready to go whenever I'm required,” Cross told Sportal.
“When you are on the bench you never know when you will get thrust into it, so hopefully I get on there with plenty of time to do something.
“It's good to get home, so the Perth guys have enjoyed getting back. Thankfully the weather has cleared up today and hopefully it stays the same on the weekend.”
Cross believes Australia have an advantage over their southern hemisphere rivals ahead of the Tri-Nations encounter.
“They've had to fly from the south of New Zealand and we've been here for a good week and are ready to go,” he said.
“Everyone has trained well, so hopefully that translates onto the field.”
After a trying 2007 Super 14 campaign with the Western Force, Cross was named the side's Player of the Year following the conclusion of the 2008 tournament and the quickness of his rise in the game has surprised even him.
“That was a massive buzz and I definitely didn't expect that in my second year with the Force. It was a close race, but I was lucky to get it,” he said.
“This year has been a real whirlwind. Last year was a real learning experience but my confidence has been building all of this year and it has been great.”
Cross' Wallaby team-mate Drew Mitchell is also looking forward to Saturday's Test after the World Cup winger was recalled into the squad at the expense of the Western Force duo's team-mate Cameron Shepherd.
The full-back broke his leg in the second Test against France, and while it's not the ideal way to join the team, Mitchell is hoping to contribute in front of his home fans either at full-back or wing when he's called upon from the bench.
“You never want to see that happen to anyone and 'Shep' is a good friend of mine so my heart's with him. But it has given me an opportunity that I'm delighted about,” said Mitchell.
“It's going to be familiar having played here the last couple of years with the Force I know the surroundings well and will feel comfortable out there.
“The crowd is always fanatical and we can draw from that.
“There hasn't been an indication as to what I'll come on as, be it wing or full-back, but I'm just itching at the bit get out there and make an impact.”