Force v Crusaders

Crusaders face the new force from the west
January 9 2006

www.crfu.co.nz/crusaders/index.cfm/4,886,30,html

Crusaders stalwart Reuben Thorne joined Western Force opponent David Fitter and representatives of the Victorian U16 team at Melbourne’s Federation Square today to launch the pre-season fixture between the two sides.

The match at Melbourne’s Olympic Park Stadium on January 28 will be a baptism of fire for the team from the west as they take to the field for the first time against an established Super 14 team, a team that has won five titles and are the reigning champions.

“We are looking forward to playing in Melbourne and giving fans an insight into who we are and what we are all about, in the hope they will adopt us as their Super 14 team,” said Thorne.

“This will be one of our first outings as a team in 2006 and we are all looking forward to hitting the track and playing exciting rugby,” he said.

The Crusaders are looking to establish an Australian base in Melbourne and have invested heavily in this event to see how players, staff and fans react to their presence.

Melbourne-born Fitter is looking forward to playing his first match in front of his home crowd since joining the Emirates Western Force and becoming a Wallaby in the 2005 Northern Hemisphere tour.

“It’s exciting to be part of a new team and even more exciting for me to play in front of my home crowd,” said the Western Force tight head prop.

“While the pressure on the team to win is less intense than it would otherwise be during the season, all players need to prove they are ready to play their position. This will mean a creative and skilful game for sports fans,” said Fitter.

Thorne and Fitter spent time with representatives of the Victorian U16 team sharing some tips. These players have their hearts and minds set on following in the footsteps of fellow Victorians David Fitter, Lloyd Johansson and Digby Ioane into the Wallaby ranks.

With the recent sell-out of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Rugby 7’s finals and the hype surrounding the pending English tour in Melbourne, organisers expect a bumper crowd to fill Melbourne Olympic Park.

“We are delighted to be able to see two quality Super 14 teams play in Victoria in what we hope to be an annual event that we can call our own,” said Victorian Rugby Union General Manager Mr Ron Steiner... end story.

Looks like the Brumbies are in for some competition for the Melbourne market!!!