Waratahs halfback Sarel Pretorius is a long way from home but is confident he can capture the attention of South African selectors with a bumper Super Rugby season.
Some might say Sydney is out of sight, out of mind for a player with hopes of representing the Springboks, but Pretorius believes succeeding in NSW could be the ideal way to make some noise at the selection table.
The 27-year-old was the South African Super player of the year in 2011, but in many respects he’s been underappreciated back home because he’s not their archetypal No.9.
Springboks culture values sturdy scrumhalves with skilled kicking games, a reflection of their emphasis on power rugby.
But size and a style of play based on kicking isn’t Pretorius’ main strength, with his attacking instincts and brilliant running game being what has got Michael Foley and the Waratahs so excited.
His former team the Cheetahs played an expansive style of rugby under coach Naka Drotske and the noted try-scorer excelled.
Pretorius, who was man-of-the-match in the Waratahs 52-0 trial thumping of Tonga on Friday night, says he’s enjoyed playing with more structure so far at NSW and is hoping this can boost his international ambitions.
“Structure wise the coach will back you 100 per cent with your decisions and so will the rest of the team so it’s good,” Pretorius told AAP.
“I think (my main strength) is just to be in the right place at the right time, and most importantly make the right decisions at the right times.
“I’m here because I want to learn from the Waratahs and I’m going back to the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup, so hopefully I can take some experience back home.
“I’ve been at the Cheetahs for three seasons, so this is just something different just to mix it up a bit and learn from the guys.”
Foley is eager to see Pretorius’ combination with No.10 Berrick Barnes develop in the early rounds, starting with next Saturday’s season-opener against Queensland.
The Waratahs are a team actively looking to become a better attacking unit, and Pretorius a halfback hoping to change the minds of conservative judges back home.
“The referees are keen to police the offside line a lot tighter this year which is a good thing and I think having an attacking No.9, a threat in that area is very, very important,” said Foley.
© AAP 2012Recommend this story.
The Turkey 10
The Turkey 10 teams have now been selected, as Wild Turkey Bourbon's sport sponsorship kicks into the next exciting phase.
Choose which side you're going to support and get in the running to win $2,500!
Simply visit Wild Turkey Australia on Facebook for your chance to win.
Find out more.
The Crowd Says (6) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- Rugby Union, Sarel Pretorius, Springboks, Waratahs
February 19th 2012 @ 3:10pm
Blinky Bill of Bellingen said | February 19th 2012 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
“Pretorius looking to impress for Waratahs”. What the? I certainly hope he is.
Same should be true of every player who pulls on the sky blue jersey. If they’re not trying to ‘impress’ then what the f*%k are they doing there?
February 19th 2012 @ 5:09pm
gatesy said | February 19th 2012 @ 5:09pm | Report comment
He’ll take a fair bit of useful intel back to the Currie Cup. SA coach would be crazy to leave him out of the squad.
February 19th 2012 @ 6:01pm
johnny-boy said | February 19th 2012 @ 6:01pm | Report comment
Good on the Tahs for helping develop South African players …..and denying the opportunity for an Australian halfback to improve. The Rebels deserve a great big hand for keeping an Australian 1st five on the bench, instead choosing to help develop the game of that prat Cipriani. With friends like that, Australian rugby doesn’t need enemies.
February 20th 2012 @ 7:38am
all7days said | February 20th 2012 @ 7:38am | Report comment
He’ll impress me if he learns how to tackle. He does everything else quite well.
February 20th 2012 @ 12:47pm
mania said | February 20th 2012 @ 12:47pm | Report comment
yeah very suspect on defence. thats whats keeping him out of the boks.
this was only tonga b while the real tongan national squad are planning for the pacific cup
i think he’ll get shown up in SR as teams realise that theres a few attacking oppotunities around the fringe of the rux and mauls
February 20th 2012 @ 10:27am
jameswm said | February 20th 2012 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Geez imagine putting Foley at 10 in the 2nd half, and moving Barnes out to 12 and spelling Carter.
Pretorious at 9 and Foley at 10 are both absolute lightning off the mark.