Cross Named for Tri Nations Wallabies Spot
Looks like Ryan may have a shot at the RWC - has had a pretty successful season as a No.12 for Aus A - John Connelly specifically requested that he play this position , where he has had some reasonably convincing performances :
Quote:
Originally Posted by PerthGirl
:verysad: League converts added to squad
June 23, 2007
LEAGUE converts Ryan Cross and Berrick Barnes moved closer to challenging for Rugby World Cup berths after being named in a 32-man Australia squad ahead of next Saturday's Tri-Nations clash with New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Five-eighth Barnes and centre Cross earned call-ups to the Wallabies' Melbourne training camp after playing for Australia A in Saturday's 14-14 Pacific Nations Cup draw with Fiji in Suva.
Full back Chris Latham, who hasn't played this season because of a knee reconstruction last January, was also named in the squad.
However, Wallabies coach John Connolly emphasised Latham wasn't under consideration for next Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test, but would train with the squad throughout the week.
Connolly was hopeful Latham would make his Test return in at least one of the Wallabies final two Tri-Nations games, though he expected the Reds custodian to play at least one club match first.
He said Queensland pivot Barnes and Western Force back Cross were both unlikely to be considered for the final 22 in next week's showdown with World Cup favourite New Zealand.
While Waratah's utility Sam Norton-Knight was unable to fully capitalise on a couple of opportunities as back-up five-eighth to Stephen Larkham in the early season domestic Test, Barnes performed consistently well for Australia A throughout the six-team round-robin PNC tournament.
"Norton-Knight had a couple of opportunities and I guess we've got a decision to make there in the next few weeks," Connolly said.
Cross, who came over from rugby league at the end of last year, was used at inside centre through the PNC after lining up at outside centre in the Super 14 tournament.
"He was probably the pick of our backs today," Australia A coach Laurie Fisher said in Suva.
"He took the ball to the line and made some good half breaks."
Also chosen for the Melbourne camp were three other members of the Australia A team – prop Rodney Blake and back rowers David Lyons and Hugh McMeniman.
Two other props, Benn Robinson and Al Baxter, and backs Mark Gerrard and Sam Cordingley, will join the squad in Melbourne on Sunday after playing in Sydney club matches.
Australia A lock James Horwill, who missed the Fiji match with an ankle injury, will also link up with the squad on Sunday.
Connolly will unveil this 22 man squad to play New Zealand on Wednesday morning.
Not good news for Cam but great for Ryan Cross
