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Prized recruit Sarel Pretorius will make his Waratahs debut as a marked man with Queensland rival Will Genia identifying him as a major threat in their Sydney season-opener.
Wallabies No.9 Genia may be Super Rugby’s most dangerous halfback but the Reds general sees Pretorius as the player they must shut down on Saturday night.
The nippy South African was a six-try revelation for the lowly Cheetahs last season through his sniping around the rucks and excellent back-up play.
Pretorius, who fills the boots of France-based Luke Burgess, will get even more opportunities off the back of NSW’s powerful and experienced forward pack in 2012.
“The Waratahs like dominating up front and more often than not they get them on the front foot and with a very attacking halfback in Sarel Pretorius they’ll try to attack us around the fringes,” Genia said.
“He’s someone we’ve identified as a big strength for them with his running game.”
Pretorius will immediately know how he measures, starting with an interstate grudge match and positional battle with Genia.
“(Genia) is a world-class player so it’s always nice to match yourself against him but I just want to focus on my own role for the team and do my best,” marquee signing Pretorius said.
As one of the least effective tacklers in the competition in 2011, Pretorius’s defence has been questioned and the Reds will be sure to test him out around the fringes.
But Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie knows it’s vital his back row – containing mobile ball scavengers Beau Robinson and Jake Schatz – win the breakdown battle to put extra pressure on the 27-year-old.
“It was a very smart recruitment for them,” McKenzie said. “He’s got that X-factor in attack.
“He’ll be influential so we have to make sure we keep him quiet.”
While the Waratahs’ strength continues to be in their pack, McKenzie questioned whether NSW could create enough attacking chances without Melbourne signing Kurtley Beale or injured wingers Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner.
“If you watched them play last year their back three contributed a lot of the points,” he said. “They were able to create things and worked well off multiple phases.
“With all three of them missing it’s a different look to them so I’ll be interested to see what their next guys bring into the game.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.