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By Jon Geddes
- From: The Daily Telegraph
- Thu Oct 22 00:00:00 EST 2009 Thu Oct 22 00:00:00 EST 2009
Replacement ... Ryan Cross (left) chats to Stirling Mortlock. Photograph: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
RYAN Cross will pull off one of the sporting comebacks of the year when he replaces Stirling Mortlock in the Wallabies' backline to play the All Blacks in Tokyo.
After Mortlock was ruled out of the first three tour games with a torn calf, Cross was called in as No.13 in the top team at training on Tuesday.
But the Western Force back was no certainty to make the tour and only secured his spot after his performance in the Wallabies' internal trial at Riverview College.
"It was a good hit-out and I was able to make a few good runs,'' he said.
And Cross's call-up came after what he admitted had been a frustrating season when he was unable to establish himself in the Wallabies squad.
"I have tried to remain positive this year - I've been in and out,'' he said. "There is an opportunity there so hopefully I will get my chance again. I've just been hanging in there and training hard and trying to keep fit.''
Now he can't wait to get on the plane on Saturday night and get into battle on the field after all his hard work and preparation.
"You want to be playing for your country, you don't want to be sitting in the grandstand,'' he said. "I haven't played for a while but I feel physically ready.''
And Cross believes he can fill Mortlock's role in the Wallabies backline. "There are a a lot of good ballplayers around me and fast feet,'' he said.
"Hopefully I can bring that experience and be direct and aggressive. I just really want to kick off on a good note.''
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225789536775