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Rupert Guinness | April 17, 2009
Unlike most players, Western Force centre Ryan Cross does not consider tomorrow's derby against the Waratahs in Sydney as his chance to lock in his Wallabies selection.
The Force No.13 says he has moved on from the side's last-gasp 28-27 loss to the Hurricanes last Friday, but he rates it as a more significant event for Wallabies selection than tomorrow's game when it comes to his own head-to-head clashes. By that he intends no insult to the Waratahs centres he and James O'Connor will face.
This will be NSW inside-centre Tom Carter and outside-centre Timana Tahu, the latter a player Cross has played against in the NRL.
It is more a reflection of his esteem for the Hurricanes centres pairing of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu and the challenge they offered.
Asked how vital tomorrow was for Wallabies selection, he said: "Last week was even more important for me. I was playing Conrad Smith and Nonu. That was the All Blacks centres partnership."
Cross won't be lacking any of the passion that comes with a derby which, to the 10th placed Force, offers a chance to secure a grand slam against Australian sides after they beat the Reds and Brumbies.
It does rile him that the gusto that comes with a derby is not maintained throughout a season.
"Obviously there is a bit more feeling playing against blokes you know," he said. "They are the games we live for.
"[But] it is unfortunate we only lift [to] huge intensity in those games. It should be every game."
It is clear the ex-Rooster is as sick of being asked about his fellow former league players as they are.
"I knew this was coming," Cross sighed when asked about his clash with Tahu, who yesterday restated his intention to keep playing rugby union.
Cross believes Tahu's potential in the game - let alone in the centres - will only grow with more and more game time.
"I felt comfortable after the first season. I played every game in Super 14 … at 13," Cross said. "That was the main thing for me, playing week in, week out. Probably he has missed [that]. He has been in and out …
"I think he is very dangerous when he gets some space."
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...475001083.html
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Originally Posted by mudskipper
... At 13 just the evil rugby wizard Mortlock... 
... to watch some of the runners up get a good run... But late press entry.... Digby doing well at 13 as well...
Ashley Cooper back at 15 tonight for the Brumbies which is the first time his year... However AAC is a great 13....
Tahs only have 20 points max in them….
CHEERLEADERS ROCK!!! 
