At 31 years of age and with almost more injuries than goals scored during the first two weeks of the World Cup, André Pretorius says he still has the hunger for big rugby.
Christo Buchner – Sport24
The former Lions and Springbok fly-half now wants to join the Sharks. He just has to convince them of his fitness.
Pretorius underwent medical tests at the Sharks, “but I have not heard the result”.
“I spoke to Rudolf Straeuli (who does the contracting at the Sharks) and he knows how eager I am to make a contribution again,” said Pretorius.
One possibility is that the Sharks won’t offer him a contract because of his record with injuries, but will give him the option of training with them and showing that his injuries are behind him. Proving that he will be fit enough to add value.
Pretorius, who was set to play Super 14 rugby for the Western Force this year, tore his hamstring in his left leg in a training game prior to the tournament.
“If I get injured, I do a proper job of it,” he joked this week.
“The Force were very good about it and I got great assistance with my rehabilitation. I want to make sure I’m 100% ready to play and would rather wait a week longer and try and rule out the risk of another injury to soon.
“If you have been injured as often as I have, it can play on your mind. But I feel I still have good rugby in me and am still hungry to play.
“The Sharks will be my first choice. Their structures are good and it will be something special to be part of them.
“But I don’t believe in placing all your eggs in one basket and that is why I have a plan B and C if things don’t work out at the Sharks.”
Pretorius did not want to elaborate on his other options. He had a good Super 14 with the Lions in 2008 and played all 13 games before the injuries struck.
If we sign this guy it will be a step backwards…
I recon he’s welcome at the Sharks….as long as he’s paid by the minute(and that excludes training minutes)
When fit he is a very good 10. He would be very welcome in Bloem if he is injury free.
winnie he is a good flyhalf and could teach our youngsters a lot about flyhalf play
there is more to him then just playing
remember we do not have an experienced flyhalf at the sharks
he can always be used in a coaching role too
It would be nice to see how many games he missed due to injury. Will not be surprised if it is far over a hundred.
The best way of developing a player is to give him game time.
I dunno bout you guys but I really feel sorry for Pretoors. Its not like you invite injuries, do ya? I wonder how many guys would’ve given up by now. Here’s hoping he can regain his fitness for an extended period with hopefully the Staat, Loosehead….
A Shark thread…Puma where are you, have not chatted for ages…
Are you lot all at lunch or something, where is everybody, I get 5 mins to chat and it is like a ghost ship here!!
Oh well…This ‘whinging Pom’ will try again another time!
GO ENGLAND ……….!! 🙂
Some speed news:
Danie Rossouw had withdran from the SA side and is replaced by Flip vd M
We dont want this guy at the Sharks…he is too inconsistent!
Hi 4man, how are you?
Strueli can’t be so dof as to sign a 31 yr old hasbeen!
@ Boerboel: Howzit Boerboel…I wouldnt put anything past that ou. I cant see them wanting him…even at his best he only had a few good games for the Boks…nah, they are crazy if they sign him.
They should have signed Peter Grant…ex Pinetown boy, but instead he is now gone for bucks to Europe.
Not sure if this is a good move by the Sharks really. In a coaching role he will maybe bring in a lot more than playing. Just far to injury prone.
@ Blue Bird:9 – Hello Blue Bird, Just very hectic here again with my visitors. They leave on Sunday so should have more time then to blog, well hope so.
Well done to England on getting through to the next round. Pity for the supporters they all had tickets to Rustenburg, now have to sramble to find tickets to for Bloemfontein. Most that were going home said on the news they have canceled their flights and staying put here in SA to watch their England no matter how much extra cash it costs them. Good on them. Now that is real supporters. They are busy making arrangements to get to Bloem and try and get tickets for the game there. None want to watch America that topped the log play at Rustenburg where they have tickets for that game.
The English are having a great time here. Pity they never got a game here in Durbs. Though pleased the Dutch were here. They too have huge, huge amount of supporters following them. Full of fun the Dutch are too. The Dutch will be back for the next round game on Monday here in Durbs. That is if they top their log which they should do.
Hope you well BB.
@ Puma:16 – meant cancelled. Typos again 😯 😀
@ Puma
Puma, to be honest most of us are slightly dreading Sunday…..Germany for heavens sake….Mind you after Italy today, who knows!! 🙂
We at home have been hoping those wearing England shirts abroad are not letting the side down….Unlike our players (Only joking, they are nearly redeeming themselves) 🙂
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
Do not want him at the SHARKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
What is wrong with Straueli 😡
Was on a private gamefarm a few weekends ago doing a rescue and the owner told me the reason John Smith might be going to Lions is because Straueli will only give him a year contract and John wants a 2 year one.
This man would know, and no i cant say who he is, everyone knows the name.
I mean reallllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyy, John can also be used for coaching and stuff.
Pertoors must go back to Transvaal, or go overseas.
Streauli sounds like his megalomania is breaking through again. give John his 2 year contract and if Bizzie is the best man during and post world cup, then one can always agree to break the contract to give John a gap to go somewhere else….he will probably finish his career in Europe, but he is looking like our hooker for world cup and we need him at Captain.
Streauli is stupid if this is the case….incredibly shortsighted.
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