Sarel Pretorius’ long overdue recall for the Waratahs looks set for Friday night and the tough encounter with the in-the-pink Bulls at Allianze Stadium.
Pretorius debuted with a man-of-the-match performance against the Reds, only to be pipped 25-21 at the post by a runaway try after the final hooter by flying winger Dom Shipperley.
Those 75 metres Shipperley travelled seems to have defined the season for the underwhelming Waratahs, who were gutted at the time, and for a long time afterwards.
Pretorius should not have been a subsequent casualty.
The South African marquee half-back has been cooling his heels on the bench for the last six games while replacement Brendan McKibbin has been keeping the Waratahs in touch with some superb goal-kicking, but not fulfilling his major role as number 9.
On April 14, I wrote Sarel Pretorius must start for the Waratahs.
It looks as though that will happen, but it should have been much earlier.
Fly-half Berrick Barnes will relish the swifter, more accurate, service from Pretorius with the added bonus of trailing his half-back who thrives on making a break from set or broken play.
Pretorius is a very street smart rugby footballer.
Those are the qualities he brings to the selection table. And it’s high time Waratahs coach Michael Foley not only re-recognised those talents, but dropped others who have been retained too long on a promise of better things to come.
In 10 games this season, the Waratahs have only beaten the Rebels twice, Sharks, and the Force.
Poor pickings.
They’ve lost to the Reds, Highlanders, Chiefs, Force, Crusaders, and Brumbies. It’s been a story of same old, same old – the Waratahs have largely contributed to their own demise.
Pretorius will put some bottle into this side. So too Rocky Elsom, who has come off the bench in his first two games of the season.
He was appointed captain pre-season, and must take over as skipper starting Friday.
Daniel Halangahu and Benn Robinson have not rattled too many cages while they’ve been at the helm.
Outside-centre Rob Horne is back from suspension, so too flanker Chris Alcock, after an appendix operation. Two stiffeners.
On paper it appears all too late to make the play-offs, but you never know.
What the side desperately needs is a good win against a top side. The Bulls are just that.
But if the Waratahs play anything like they did against the Brumbies, the Bulls “could well declare at half-time”.
And that would be that. Shut up shop time.
PeterK
Guest
the tah forwards overall were far better than the brumbies. Look at possession stats, the forward runs, metres, linebreaks. The lineout was better. The scrum marginally ahead. The breakdown down was failry even except for pilfers / turnovers Hooper far better than Jenkins. It is the forwards job to get possesion and make hard yards , they did that. It was the inept tahs backline in attack and defence that let them down. The brumbies played as a whole team and the backline was brilliant.
Nicksa
Guest
who do u rate the best sh in the world at the moment??
Justin
Guest
"I have watched pretty much every single game for about 5-6 seasons now" You NEED to get out more ;) How do you rate his passing, the primary skill of a 9?
Latimer-Umaga
Guest
Many of you Australian rugby fans are just that, Australian rugby fans. How many of you stay up and watch South African games if it doesn't involve an Australian side? I have watched pretty much every single game for about 5-6 seasons now. I have work on the Sunday morning but that doesn't stop me from going to bed at 6 am. Anyway, many of you are only judging Sarel Pretorious on his little stint in NSW - a team with limited players and limited coaches. He is world class and he proved it when what essentially was the griquas came a whisker away from beating the British and Irish Lions purely because of him. Go on about his tackling, he doesn't shy away from contact though - ala Quade Cooper. Very disappointing that he has gotten such limited time as he is most certainly better than the academy player. Huge boost for the Waratahs, however I think the current best scrumhalf in the world should be able to handle Sarel.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Would give Pretorius a go on the wing then. whats the risk? I still think the guy has quality but a n9 without a very good to great pass is like a hooker who's an inaccurate thrower.
Farthing
Guest
I am sure I read that Barnes preferred Mckibbin as he got the ball in his hands harder and faster, and after watching this year's games in the cheap seats behind the goal posts I would have to agree, Pretorious seems to pass with a gentle drift, comparitively Mckibbin is throwing bullets.
Brett McKay
Expert
honestly mate, I haven't seen more 'rainbow' throwing since my very last day on the cricket field...
Justin
Guest
I dont mind him actually. He has been cursed with the "utility tag" though. I actually think he would have been a better league player, left centre and use his big right palm. He hasnt the flair for 15 nor the skill set or vision for 10 or 12. I think he is best on a wing and then 13. He is just that level down from being a real gun at Test level. Defends well, runs strongly but doesnt like to pass the ball at all hence wing being a great spot for him.
Justin
Guest
Thanks Brett, I look forward to seeing him now! Geez he must be ordinary!
Brett McKay
Expert
Justin, if you get the chance, have a look at Cronje, the Lions backup scrumhalf - makes Luke Burgess and Pretorius look laser-like in their delivery...
jameswm
Guest
Agreed. He throws some really wobbly ones. He's also a defensive liability.
mania
Guest
justin - your not a fan of AAC? what really p!sses me off is AAC could've been a great player if he were allowed to stay in one position and build a rapport with his team. AAC i feel is what habana was last year. in the worng team and being stifled because of the game plan. both intelligent players that just need to right environment to shine, theres heaps wrong with aus rugby but this is one of those side stories that will never make the headlines and people will just think of AAC as an average player. AAC has done everything asked of him. maybe he shouldnt have been such a team player
Justin
Guest
No and he never will.
mania
Guest
Dave of C - he has the skill set for it. cant see why not but it'd be a huge gamble. he has good vision btu whether this translates to a good 1st5 i'd be guessing
David of Canberra
Guest
Fair points, mania, however, can AAC play fly-half?
Justin
Guest
Yeah there is no way in heaven or hell that Pretorious has a better pass than McKibbin or just about any other 9 in AUS, SA or NZ. Even Burges had a better pass (though watching him in France on Saturday his radar is still off!)
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I take you point Justin, and it may be warranted to start McGibbin from the bench, if a player has a poor game that's what you do he gets dropped and starts form the bench, The main focus of my post was not agreeing with David Lords assessment of that Pretorious is the better half back and has a better pass. I have two sons that are half backs and have a keen eye when assessing halfbacks and IMO McGibbin is overall the more complete half back. There are some things that I like about Pretorious he is quite quick around the base of the ruck and has an advantage there but McGibbin offers much more in the bigger picture. What got me irritated was David's assertion that the Tahs missed Pretorious's good passing, I think that David should adjust the colour of his glasses
Justin
Guest
Certainly McKibbin cant be blamed for the loss but he was poor on Saturday night. His passing and his options were both well down on his Crusaders effort which was very good.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
David I disagree with your assessment of McGibbin as a poor passing halfback. I have watched him for over 5 years now and he has a swift long pass that hits the mark most times. Pretorious is no match in the passing area of halfback play. He may offer a bit more in the darting from the base of the ruck or scrum but he doesn't kick for goal. If you are comparing the two and you stack up their talents McGibbin would be the better halfback he has a wider range of skills. I doubt that the recent defeat by the Brumbies could be laid at his feet I would suggest other areas of the Tahs game is found wanting. McGibbin and Barnes play quite well together and have reached a good combination, It is out wider that the Tahs falter. And I have to say I thought that they were beaten in the forwards also. If Foley thinks that changing around his halves is the answer, well, that just tells you what the Tahs are up against and is indicative of their season and their performance. IMO the halves are the least of their worries.
mania
Guest
dave of c - AAC can cover the entire backline. deans wont drop him (hopefully) as AAC has done everything asked of him. should beale or joc get injured aac is a very handy player. i admit that aac has had 2 quiet seasons so far and needs a fire up his a55 to get back into the game. one thing u dont take into a/c is aac's proven temperament at test level. he can be a big game player and rarely panics. test players grow when putting on a national jersey and play better, become stronger, faster. its a long season for test players whose body clocks are set for peaking mid to the end of the super comp. aac at the very least has earned the right to prove his worth in a test match even if it is for 1 game.