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Greg Growden | March 9, 2008 - 9:01PM
Crusaders 29 Force 24
Daniel Carter versus Matt Giteau was the big duel at Subiaco Oval last night, but Ryan Cross was the man to use the big occasion to ingratiate himself with the next Wallabies coach.
Robbie Deans was last night cursing Cross for how he showed up the Crusaders in the first half, but in a few months' time will hark back to his performance when working out his first Test line-up as the Wallabies coach.
Although the Force ran out of momentum after leading 24-12 in the 50th minute, enabling the Crusaders to remain on top of the Super 14 ladder, what Deans, who changes camps after the tournament, will remember about this high-quality, nine-try match is the impact Cross had on it.
With Matt Giteau expected to be Deans's Wallabies No.10, and Stirling Mortlock likely to move to No.12, Cross is now in line to be the next Test outside-centre, after being the standout No.13 in the opening month of the tournament.
The big space breaker last night was Cross, his involvement in several Force first-half tries had the Crusaders struggling to get their act together.
In the crucial duel between the two best southern hemisphere No.10s, the early points went to Carter. Giteau was looking for a divot to hide under when Carter fashioned the Crusaders' first try by running at his opposing pivot, who embarrassingly slid off him in the tackle, enabling the All Black five-eighth to finish off a solo try.
It was a rare defensive blemish by Giteau, but he was not helped by a lack of assistance from his fellow Force defenders. The Force's inside-centre, Lachlan MacKay, was caught in no man's land, being too far away to cover Carter after he passed Giteau.
But gradually Giteau regathered himself. While Carter suddenly had problems with his kicking boot, Giteau burrowed his way back. He was soon found on his hands and knees scrambling under a mob of Crusaders defenders to break through.
And then shortly after Giteau lit the spark for a Force comeback when he gave Cross the chance to show off. On the half-hour, Giteau showed the ball, lured several defenders, before Cross veered inside the pivot, took the pass, and then cut through on an acute angle to create the gap and level the scores at 12-12.
It was just reward for the Force, who had played the right tactics against their opponents by out-crusadering the Crusaders - playing as close to the gain line as possible, passing under pressure, and being outstanding in counter-attack.
The Force's best try was reminiscent of the Crusaders in their prime. The visitors lost the ball at the tackle and the Force were away through No.8 Richard Brown. Then an exceptional lob pass by Scott Staniforth followed by a marvellous one-hander by Cross, as he tiptoed along the sideline, put Brown through for five points.
It was clearly obvious both teams were out to impress current and future coaches.
In a rejuvenating pick-me-up, the pace was as hot as the Perth afternoon sun, and the purpose of both sides was of the highest calibre. They limited their kicking and instead attempted to probe each other's midfield defence by keeping the ball in hand, build up the phases, and wherever possible deceive with clever changes of attacking angles.
The skills were exceptional. The speed was incredible. There were countless great tries. The Super 14 is alive.
A Cross Deans is happy to bear - rugbyheaven07.com.au
wow. compliments from pie-eater. bolding is mine
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Originally Posted by blueandblack
I know you're God like with your wisdom but really... 
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Giteau." 
