Andre Pretorius out of whole of Super 14

[Gavin]

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The Western Force's finals aspirations took a massive nose dive on Friday after it was confirmed star recruit Andre Pretorius will miss the entire Super 14 season with a hamstring injury.

Pretorius, who notched 31 Tests for South Africa but was lured to the Force as a replacement for flyhalf Matt Giteau, suffered a season-ending hamstring injury at training on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old only signed a one-year deal with the Force, meaning he may never play a Super 14 game for the Perth-based franchise.

"I've gone to work with the boys for so long now and it has been my best pre-season in many years," Pretorius said in a statement.

"I'm really disappointed that I won't be able to have the opportunity to represent the Western Force and play rugby with the new mates that I have made here.

"My body was in the best condition it has been in a long time and after watching the video footage of the training session and seeing when the injury occurred it didn't look like much at all.

"The physios at the club said it was just a freakish type of injury.

"I guess the only good thing from a personal point of view is that the Force has the best hamstring rehab program that I have ever worked with.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow after putting in all the hard yards and committing myself to a great bunch of guys at the club.

"I still want to remain involved and offer any assistance I can to help make this a successful season for the Force."

The Force are in talks with the ARU to see if they can replace Pretorius, who was the Force's marquee international player.

Clubs are only allowed to sign one international marquee player but the Force may ask for a special allowance given Pretorius won't be able to play at all.

"It is really unlucky for Andre, I feel gutted for him," coach John Mitchell said.

"From a playing perspective we now have to look at what we've got and move forward without him, that's just part of rugby."

One-Test Wallaby Mark Bartholomuesz is likely to take up the vital No.10 jersey in place of Pretorius while the Force explore their options.[/b]

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport...00205-niji.html

This is very unfortunate for the Western Force, they could have been a dark horse for the semi-finals with a solid fly-half. I really hope they do not put Bartholomuesz in the position, rather see young James O'Connor. On a similar note I read that O'Connor is being seen as the Force's Mr Fix-it, and could play in different positions this year, even fly-half. http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-ne...00204-ng9d.html Still can't believe the guy is still only 19, good luck to him though.

 

[Jer1cho]

Wow. He must hold the world record for 'most days of paid leave' after this one i reckon. Retire already, you are too soft for this sport.

 

[BLR]

It would be great if Real Brumbies didn't insist on keeping all their promising fly halves cooped up, despite the fact some will not even play...

 

[Juggernaut]

It was bound to happen.

Andre is giving Wilko a run for his money as the most injury-prone 5/8.

 

[Dexter Tauvao]

That really sucks. I was looking forward to seeing him with the Force this year.