All Black for Wallabies but Cross shines
September 14th 2008 01:21
What a brilliant attacking spectacle of Rugby Union between two of the most flamboyant nations in the world.
It was a game that will no doubt steer Union into record levels of popularity. A 28-24 score line with plenty of tries and plenty of movement with the ball in hand.
On their day, both the Wallabies and All Blacks play the most attractive form of Rugby. In all, the Southern Hemisphere is light-years ahead of their European rivals.
All Blacks fly half Dan Carter was superb once again. This man can pass, kick goals and run through three Wallabies defenders despite the frame he possesses compared to his other Kiwi counterparts.
For the Wallabies, I have to give Ryan Cross a mention. A former Sydney Roosters player from the NRL competition.
Ever since his transformation from league convert to Australian international, Cross has been the revelation for the Wallabies and coach Robbie Deans.
He has scored tries, runs the ball with gusto and is a tremendous support player.
With all the controversy surrounding League players and their inept ability to produce in Rugby, Cross holds the flag high for his fellow league converts.
Ever since he has switched, he has been a tremendous help for both the Western Force and the Wallabies.
Fellow League recruit Timana Tahu was significantly better than Cross back in Rugby League. Many rated Tahu the best centre ,on par with Mark Gasnier and Justin Hodges.
Last year in particular, Tahu was the man that led the Eels to the preliminary final where they would fall to the Melbourne Storm.
Cross on the other hand was just a solid player. He never played Origin or test football and was always a consistent first grader for the Roosters.
But since his move to Union, Cross has shown form and this will no doubt provide Tahu with enough confidence to succeed in the game made in heaven.
Although Tahu's performance against South Africa was a disaster, he was not alone in condemning Australian rugby to one of its low points in history.
Although the Tri-nations and Bledisloe Cup is going back across the Tasman again, coach Robbie Deans knows he has found one player that could make the centre position his own.
Who would have thought it would come in the form of Ryan Cross.
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