AS THE Bledisloe Cup pendulum swung back towards the Wallabies yesterday after the withdrawal of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw from Saturday night's Test, new Australian centre Ryan Cross was preparing himself for the biggest game of his life.

Cross is entering an encounter that few other Tests are likely to match for intensity thanks to the rivalry between All Blacks coach Graham Henry and Robbie Deans, the man most New Zealanders believe should have Henry's job. And the withdrawal of both captains has added to the build-up of tension.

After Stirling Mortlock withdrew from the game at ANZ Stadium with a head knock, McCaw was yesterday forced out after failing to overcome his long-standing ankle sprain.

While the effects almost nullify each other, it has given lesser known Test performers their chance. Daniel Braid takes over from McCaw, and former Australian Schoolboys representative Cross is about to achieve his dream of becoming a fully fledged member of the starting Wallabies XV, after being sidetracked for nine years in rugby league with the Sydney Roosters.

And the 28-year-old yesterday conceded that his involvement in three NRL grand finals would be nothing compared with running on for the Wallabies in their most challenging task - winning the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002.

"It is bigger because you're playing for your country," Cross said. "Playing for your club side in a grand final is a bit different, but playing for your country against New Zealand is definitely the biggest game in my career. Competing against the All Blacks … it can't get any bigger than that.

"I'm also not so much a leaguie as everyone thinks, because I did play both codes growing up. I grew up watching All Black Tests, and just can't wait to play against them."

Critically, Cross will play near the man most crucial to his decision to sign with the Western Force franchise last year - five-eighth Matt Giteau.

Cross has been on the bench for all four internationals so far this season, but when he was given his chance in the second half of those matches, Giteau immediately put him on the radar, and set him up for two tries in the second Test against France.

"Even when I was coming on during those earlier Tests, he [Giteau] was willing to give me the ball," Cross said. "That's a big plus for me. If he sees me there, he'll give it to me.

"That's the main reason I went across to the Force, knowing that he was there, and would be a long-term player in Test rugby. I was hoping a combination would be created, and if I made the step to the Wallabies, it would make it a bit easier."

He also expressed gratitude yesterday to two New Zealanders who have developed him since returning to rugby - Force coach John Mitchell and Deans.

He said Mitchell "stuck with" him when he initially struggled with the transition last season, while Deans had "given me a lot of confidence in picking me".

"He [Deans] has told me how he is confident I can do the job … that I have got here doing what I do best. He brings confidence and calmness to the team," Cross said.

Deans was convinced Cross was ready to take over from Mortlock, explaining that both players were from the same mould.

"Ryan's done really well with the opportunities he has had, which is always a good trait. He's responded to every opportunity, and he'll be fine," Deans said.

"They're not dissimilar in many ways. They're both pretty direct. They've both got a presence. And they're both good defenders."

Deans didn't seem too concerned about anything yesterday, except the possibility of some pre-game banter from his former Crusaders players if they met before Bledisloe Cup kick-off.

"I'm not certain what will be said before the game in the tunnel. Ali [Williams], I'm sure will have something to say," Deans said.

THE TEAMS

Australia v New Zealand at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on Saturday. Kick-off at 8.05pm.

AUSTRALIA

Adam Ashley-Cooper; Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri; Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, George Smith (c), Rocky Elsom; Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Timana Tahu, Drew Mitchell.

NEW ZEALAND

Mils Muliaina; Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis; Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Rodney So'oialo (c); Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Res: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Conrad Smith.