By Justin Chadwick
February 10th 2010 @ 1:30am
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Bartholomeusz feeling upbeat as Force No.10
Western Force utility back Mark Bartholomeusz is confident he has what it takes to make the five-eighth position his own, starting with Friday night’s Super 14 blockbuster against the Brumbies in Perth.
Matt Giteau’s departure to the Brumbies and a season-ending hamstring injury to former Springbok Andre Pretorius has left the flyhalf role wide open at the Force.
Bartholomeusz impressed in the No.10 jersey during the Force’s thumping trial win over Queensland last week and the 32-year-old felt he was the right man for the job for the upcoming season.
“I’ve played in that role before,” Bartholomeusz said.
“It’s a position I enjoy playing and at this stage of my career probably my best position.
“I’ve been training there since we started (pre-season training) in November along with Andre.
“We’ve been working together with the squad so it’s not foreign from the point of view of fitting in with the team framework, that’s for sure.
“Obviously it’s heartbreaking for Andre, the news he’s going to miss the whole season.
“But things move on and opportunities arise for other people.
“And if that’s the way it pans out and that’s where I play on Friday night I’ll be looking forward to the challenge.”
Force coach John Mitchell has flagged the possibility of using star back James O’Connor, Sam Harris and Stefano Hunt at five-eighth during the season.
But Bartholomeusz, a one-Test Wallaby who also spent time at English Premiership outfit Saracens and Irish club Ulster, is almost certain to get first crack.
The Brumbies have named Giteau in a star-studded line-up to take on the Force but Bartholomeusz, who notched 68 Super caps for the Canberra-based franchise and was part of the 2004 title-winning side before heading off to Europe, was confident of the Force’s chances.
“They’re a good side but our focus is on our own game,” he said.
“I did think it was a bit ironic after I agreed to come to the Force to see the fixture list and see the Brumbies first up.
“This is like a new start for us starting at ME Bank Stadium (instead of the Force’s former home ground of Subiaco Oval).”
The Force are still sweating on the fitness of Wallabies centre Ryan Cross, who missed the trial match against the Reds with an abdominal injury.
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(4)
Who Needs Melon said | February 10th 2010 @ 11:49am | Report comment
I remember Mark Bartholomeusz being a pretty good player for the Brumbies but (a) that was a LONG time ago and (b) I recall him playing mostly on the wing. I don’t recall him having a dazzling passing game and I’m pretty sure he never played 10 for the Brumbies back then.
Now am I to assume that despite being older and no doubt slower he has developed the smarts, kicking and passing game necessary to act as the linchpin for the backline in a Super rugby team? Has he been setting the world alight at Ulster? Was he playing at 10 much there? Does anyone have any information?
I’m glad he’s feeling upbeat – I hope he doesn’t embarass himself in front of any former team mates.
Brett McKay said | February 10th 2010 @ 12:03pm | Report comment
correct Melon, I certainly can’t recall him wearing any number lower than 14 or occasionally 15 (maybe 11). Don’t think he’s played in Australia for five or six years, so it will be interesting to see his game now..
Hansie said | February 10th 2010 @ 12:07pm | Report comment
I think he was a bit of a utility at the Brumbies and filled in as an inside back on occasion (though it’s a while back and my memory could be flawed). But it’s hard to see that, at age 32, he’s suddenly the answer at fly half in Super 14.
Rin said | February 10th 2010 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
he played quite a bit at inside centre at the Brumbies, and would never have got a chance to play at flyhalf cause Larkham was there. I understand that he played quite a bit at fly for the Italian club he played for, supposedly they the Man Utd of italian rugby clubs.
Played really well at fly in the trial match against the reds. Will see friday night!
Rin