Rugby: From club footy to the real big time

CHRISTCHURCH - Rookie Canterbury Crusaders halfback Billy Fulton is poised to make the jump from club rugby to the Super 12 final in Canberra on Saturday.

Injuries have led to Fulton's rise in status after the former North Harbour No 9 made his Super 12 debut in the dying minutes of last Saturday's semifinal win against the Highlanders.

With Justin Marshall and understudy Aaron Flynn both injured, Ben Hurst - son of former All Black midfielder of the 1970s, Ian Hurst - got the starting job.

Fulton was on the bench, but he was "just stoked" to get on the field against the Highlanders at Jade Stadium. "I was jumping out of my skin to get a touch, or make a tackle," he said.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said Fulton would almost certainly be in the squad for the final.

"That would be almost a dream come true," Fulton said.

"One week you're playing club rugby in the country and the next you're in the Super 12 final in Canberra.

"It's a bit of a jump, but hopefully I'll be able to handle it."

-NZPA