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Sydney - Waratahs South African scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius has said that despite playing in Australia, he has not given up on his dream of one day representing the Springboks.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald website, Pretorius was brought in by the Waratahs to fill the void left by Wallaby No 9 Luke Burgess, who has taken up a contract with French Top 14 club Toulouse.
The former Cheetahs player was a standout player during the 2010/11 Super Rugby season, where he played a key role in the Cheetahs' best season to date in the competition, after which he was named the South African Super Rugby Player of the Year.
Although Pretorius was selected in the preliminary Springbok squad for the Rugby World Cup, he was unable to crack the nod for the final squad.
But with an aging Fourie du Preez headed for Japan and Ruan Pienaar seemingly unable to reproduce the form of a few seasons ago, Pretorius might find himself in the Springbok frame earlier than expected.
After next year’s Super Rugby tournament, Pretorius will return to Griquas in October to play in the Currie Cup.
The Bloemfontein-born scrumhalf allayed fears he might be turning out in a Wallaby jersey any time soon.
"Ever since being a little boy growing up in South Africa, it's been my dream to play for the Springboks," Pretorius told the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Waratahs coach Michael Foley was impressed with Pretorius's ability and work-ethic as he made his return from a three week layoff due to a groin injury.
"He's a great player and has settled in really well to our club so far," Foley said.
