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The Emirates Western Force have gone down 12-7 to the Crusaders in their opening trial match at Olympic Park in Melbourne tonight.
In perfect conditions and in front of a healthy crowd, the WA side took an early 7-0 lead when Ryan Cross's try was converted by Matt Giteau.
The build up work by AJ Whalley led to the try, as the giant prop galloped 30 metres into Crusaders territory before offloading to Giteau. Some fancy footwork by Giteau gave Cross a straightforward run to the line.
The score remained 7-0 until the break.
Emirates Western Force coach John Mitchell brought on many of his rookies for the second half, and despite breaking even around the ground, the younger squad members couldn't keep the Crusaders off the scoreboard.
Tries to All Black full back Leon MacDonald and Nasi Manu, and a conversion from Hamish Gard, gave the Crusaders a 12-7 lead.
Sam Wykes had a chance to snatch victory right on full time, but his kick ahead rolled over the dead ball line.
The Emirates Western Force will host the Queensland Reds in a second trial this Thursday at Members Equity Stadium in Perth (kick off at 7.05pm local), before heading to South Africa for the start of the 2008 Investec Super 14 season.
Emirates Western Force 7 (Ryan Cross try, Matt Giteau con)
Crusaders 12 (Leon MacDonald, Nasi Manu tries, Hamish Gard conv)