Six Nations: Cross resolves to seize his opportunity

Geoff CROSS goes back to where his international rugby career began with an outing against Wales this weekend.

But, it has taken the Edinburgh prop forward three years to reach double figures in cap terms and with Euan Murray sidelined on grounds of religion which precludes him playing on a Sunday, Cross senses an opportunity to advance a case for an extended run.

“For me this is an opportunity to demonstrate why I should be picked,” he said.

At the same time Cross reveals that not all his memories of the fixture are happy as he hints at the circumstances which saw him yellow-carded for a clumsy challenge as he was being stretchered off on his debut.

“I know from bitter experience I have given reasons not to be picked. My job is to provide lots of reasons to continue to be picked and that is only good for the squad,” he said.

Looking back on last weekend’s clash with England Cross labels the inability to win a match in which Scotland enjoys the lion’s share of possession and territory as “unacceptable”.

Cross added: “I believe we created opportunities to win did not execute well enough. That is very frustrating.

“How we use space, manipulate defences and put pace on to the ball are things we have been improving in training this week.

“I’m always pleased when the forwards are doing what I want forwards to do which is break the line and challenge defenders.

“That is one of the many positives that we take from the game but it was unacceptable that we didn’t win. What I have been learning is how it is important to impose our game rather than I feel pressure to make something happen that may or may not be on.”