Stephen Nell
Cape Town – Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius is unlikely to be in the Western Force’s starting line-up for Saturday’s friendly match against the Stormers at Newlands.
While the visitors from Australia have no intention of announcing a starting team before the game, Sport24 has learned that there is a better chance that Pretorius will feature from the start against the Sharks on Tuesday.
Pretorius trained with his Force team-mates on Thursday afternoon. It was noticeable that he used a kicking tee as opposed to sand, with which he kicked over the years.
“It’s nice to be back in the Cape because the people are rugby mad here,” said Pretorius.
“I actually kicked with a tee for the first time against the Force (for the Lions) last year because I struggled with sand against the Chiefs. I now use a tee, but you never know!”
Pretorius, 31, does not even want to discuss a possible Springbok recall.
“My focus is nowhere but the Super14 with the Western Force. You will be ineffective if that is not your approach. The team’s aspirations should come ahead of any individuals,” he said.
“I am completely out of my comfort zone. I was at the Lions for 11 years and everything is now about getting out of my comfort zone and getting my game to the desired level. I have high expectations. We worked hard in the pre-season,” he said.
Pretorius had made a significant lifestyle change after his move to Perth from Johannesburg.
“There was a big change in lifestyle and it’s an improvement,” he said.
“You go to the beach after training and have your recovery sessions in the ocean. I’m not used to anything like that!”
Cape Town – Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius is unlikely to be in the Western Force’s starting line-up for Saturday’s friendly match against the Stormers at Newlands.
While the visitors from Australia have no intention of announcing a starting team before the game, Sport24 has learned that there is a better chance that Pretorius will feature from the start against the Sharks on Tuesday.
Pretorius trained with his Force team-mates on Thursday afternoon. It was noticeable that he used a kicking tee as opposed to sand, with which he kicked over the years.
“It’s nice to be back in the Cape because the people are rugby mad here,” said Pretorius.
“I actually kicked with a tee for the first time against the Force (for the Lions) last year because I struggled with sand against the Chiefs. I now use a tee, but you never know!”
Pretorius, 31, does not even want to discuss a possible Springbok recall.
“My focus is nowhere but the Super14 with the Western Force. You will be ineffective if that is not your approach. The team’s aspirations should come ahead of any individuals,” he said.
“I am completely out of my comfort zone. I was at the Lions for 11 years and everything is now about getting out of my comfort zone and getting my game to the desired level. I have high expectations. We worked hard in the pre-season,” he said.
Pretorius had made a significant lifestyle change after his move to Perth from Johannesburg.
“There was a big change in lifestyle and it’s an improvement,” he said.
“You go to the beach after training and have your recovery sessions in the ocean. I’m not used to anything like that!”