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Force door open for flyhalf imports

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:03

First choice: Western Force utility back Mark Bartholomeusz

While Wallaby Mark Bartholomeusz will be first choice to fill the flyhalf void left by Springbok André Pretorius's season-ending hamstring injury, the Western Force my head abroad again to find a world class No.10.

The versatility of the Western Force squad will be called upon from Round One, with several candidates being considered to help fill the gap left by Pretorius's injury.

Bartholomeusz will be first choice and proved he is more than capable of shouldering the responsibilities after an excellent performance in a comprehensive 31-12 pre-season victory over the Reds in the team's final trial match last Friday.

However, he isn't the only option, it several players able to assist in the role.

Western Force General Manager of Rugby, Mitch Hardy, said the club would look to the players already assembled to initially fill the flyhalf position, however, the door remained open to recruit another playmaker if necessary.

"There is some work to do to determine if we go elsewhere and try and find another player," Hardy said.

"At this point in time there is no one in Australia as everyone is committed to Australian franchises.

"The Japanese season is finishing up in the next few weeks and the Heineken Cup is coming to a close so there may be an opportunity to bring in another player should we decide to do so.

"Mark Bartholomeusz has prepared with the team all the way through the pre-season and trial period in that No.10 position and played very well on Friday. He is our first and foremost choice at 10 now.

"Sam Harris can slot in there and did so in the trials, and then we have the young up and coming players like Stefano [Hunt].

"You'd like to start the season with all the players fit and ready to go and you certainly don't bank on a season ending injury like Andre's happening a week before the start of the season.

"We've got to assess where we're at after round three really, use the players we have in our roster at the moment and have faith in their ability and performance."

Bartholomeusz, a versatile back who returned to Australia this season after a successful six years playing overseas, was also supported to start at No.10 by teammate Pretorius.

"I'd go with Mark Bartholomeusz because we have gone through everything together and his knowledge of the game and knowledge of our strategy and game plan is so good," Pretorius said.

"The way he comes across in team meetings and so on, he really conveys messages well and I reckon Barty will be fine there."

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