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Pretorius: Force to get 'some value'

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:42

The Western Force are determined to get some value out of their most costly off-season signing, injury-prone Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius.

The Force last Friday realised that they have bought the most expensive injury-prone flyhalf in the world, after it was confirmed that the Bok No.10, Pretorius, will miss the entire Super 14 season.

He had torn his hamstring in training, a situation not unfamiliar with his previous franchise - the Lions in Johannesburg - where he had not played a full season in the past five years, as a succession of injuries plagued his career.

But the Force will hope to reap some benefits from the experience and class of the World Cup-winning Bok well beyond the current season, with Pretorius committed to educating the franchise's emerging talent while he rehabilitates from the season-ending hamstring injury.

Pretorius, an astute reader of the game, is enthused about passing on the knowledge he has acquired in 31 Tests for South Africa and 69 Super Rugby appearances.

While the reality of not being able to take his place on the field this season still stings, he has turned his attention to finding other ways of assisting the Western Force achieve a positive 2010 campaign.

"Life goes on, it [the injury] is in the past now and you have to look forward," Pretorius said at the weekend.

"I'm definitely going to stay here. I've been committed from the start to the Force and I'd like to end it like that. I signed a one year contract and I want to see that out and help any way I can.

"I'll probably get involved with some of the youngsters, maybe with the academy. I'll definitely be involved in strategy with the senior team as well," said Pretorius.

What seemed like an innocuous movement during training ended in tragedy for the Force marquee signing, with a torn hamstring requiring surgical reattachment and at least three months on the sidelines.

Despite being a long way from his home town of Johannesburg, Pretorius isn't looking for an early exit and will remain in Perth for the duration of the Super 14 season.

"It really didn't feel like I sacrificed a lot to come here because it was going so well," Pretorius said.

"I do miss my friends and my family, my Mum and my sister, but it really didn't feel like I was sacrificing a lot to come over here because the move was made easy by RugbyWA.

"I've made some great friends since I've been here. The really disappointing part for me is that I'm not going to play rugby with them.

"I've enjoyed seeing the work ethic of young boys, enjoyed seeing the work ethic of really experienced guys and if that is anything to go by then this will be a successful Super 14 season for us."

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