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Johannesburg – Andre Pretorius believes if he is to become one of South Africa’s top flyhalves, then he will have to perform consistently.
He is often out of action because of injuries, but the Lions have been fortunate in thatPretorius has been available for most of the entire Super14 this year.
“The Super14 is not a competition where you just walk in and produce your best form. I’m not looking for excuses, but had to remind myself that I had not played for a year and two months, and that things would not just happen,” Pretorius said of his comeback this year.
“It was a little up and down. A player of international quality does not only do brilliant things, but limits his mistakes and that is something I tried to do.
“I just wanted to do the basic things right and wanted to make as few mistakes as possible. You will sometimes do flashy things when your level of performance is consistent.
“That applies to all sports stars. Consistency is the name of the game for them. My performances are showing a gradual improvement.”
The Lions will rely on Pretorius’ leadership capabilities again when they take on the Waratahs at Coca-Cola Park on Friday. He was acting captain in last Friday’s win over the Highlanders.
Utility back Earl Rose has been axed from the starting line-up this week and will be on the bench. He was poor in the first half last week before showing improvement in the second.
“Earl played well in the second half. He has all the talent,” said coach Eugene Eloff.
Louis Ludik has been moved from right wing to fullback, while Dusty Noble will be in the No 14 jersey. Lock Franco van der Merwe and prop Gert Muller are also in the starting line-up again.
Van der Merwe played with great commitment last week when he replaced Jannes Labuschagne, who will be sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury.
Muller will pack down at tighthead in Lawrence Sephaka’s place. Sephaka moves to loosehead, while JC Janse van Rensburg is on the bench.
Johannesburg – Andre Pretorius believes if he is to become one of South Africa’s top flyhalves, then he will have to perform consistently.
He is often out of action because of injuries, but the Lions have been fortunate in thatPretorius has been available for most of the entire Super14 this year.
“The Super14 is not a competition where you just walk in and produce your best form. I’m not looking for excuses, but had to remind myself that I had not played for a year and two months, and that things would not just happen,” Pretorius said of his comeback this year.
“It was a little up and down. A player of international quality does not only do brilliant things, but limits his mistakes and that is something I tried to do.
“I just wanted to do the basic things right and wanted to make as few mistakes as possible. You will sometimes do flashy things when your level of performance is consistent.
“That applies to all sports stars. Consistency is the name of the game for them. My performances are showing a gradual improvement.”
The Lions will rely on Pretorius’ leadership capabilities again when they take on the Waratahs at Coca-Cola Park on Friday. He was acting captain in last Friday’s win over the Highlanders.
Utility back Earl Rose has been axed from the starting line-up this week and will be on the bench. He was poor in the first half last week before showing improvement in the second.
“Earl played well in the second half. He has all the talent,” said coach Eugene Eloff.
Louis Ludik has been moved from right wing to fullback, while Dusty Noble will be in the No 14 jersey. Lock Franco van der Merwe and prop Gert Muller are also in the starting line-up again.
Van der Merwe played with great commitment last week when he replaced Jannes Labuschagne, who will be sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury.
Muller will pack down at tighthead in Lawrence Sephaka’s place. Sephaka moves to loosehead, while JC Janse van Rensburg is on the bench.
