New Western Force recruit Andre Pretorius pleads for James O'Connor to stay

[travelling_gerry]

June 26, 2009

While new Western Force recruit Andre Pretorius isn't daunted about stepping into the shoes of Matt Giteau, the former Springbok has high hopes of emulating the star fly half's relationship with teen sensation James O'Connor.

O'Connor is yet to commit to Force for the 2010 Super 14 season but with the offer of a lucrative third-party sponsorship and now Pretorius's signing, the WA franchise is confident the 18-year-old will stay instead of going to the Brumbies or Queensland Reds.

Pretorius said he was excited at the prospect of linking up with O'Connor and believed they could form a formidable midfield partnership for Force.

"That's definitely one of the key elements of good back half play is the fact that 10 and 12 think a lot alike," Pretorius said from South Africa.

"I think himself (O'Connor) and Matt got that right and that's why they were so successful in the midfield.

"So yes, having a good relationship with your 12, which is James O'Connor, is definitely going to be a key.

"He's a good player and a player for the future.

"He's already made his mark at international level."

Pretorius, who notched 31 Test caps for South Africa and was part of their 2007 World Cup winning squad, was lured to Force on a one-year deal as the franchise's international marquee player.

But the 31-year-old indicated he was eager to play out the 2011 season for Force as well.

"I think in the first year of any contract you kind of get settled, get to know the environment, the players," he said.

"The second year is where you can actually go and perform."

Pretorius, who played eight seasons for the Lions, said he was confident the Force, bolstered by the signings of scrum half Brett Sheehan and props Matt Dunning and Tim Fairbrother, would make the finals next season.

"Without a doubt, I don't even have to think about it," he said.

"The Force have gone through their teething problems.

"They were very competitive this year, if a couple of results went their way they could have made the semis.

"I need a team where the infrastructure is set already and that is what the Force can give you."

AAP

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html

[joblot]

Good on you Andre. Have you got JOC's mobile number. Everyone on this site agrees with you. Pass that on.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Good positive stuff for a change. After a gruelling pre season in summer, he may actually start a season in the right shape and fit.
On sarugby.com a lot of Lions supporters posted saying that they were sorry to see him go and said he would be good for us. They also said he needs to be fit, and a few also said he pulls a hammy in bed. Hope he stays 2 years, enjoys his time here and passes on his knowledge and turns into a Forceman.

[AndyS]

So where is the "pleading"? His quote is effectively that O'Connor is his 12, done deal, so where does the pathetic note in the headline come from?

[BDAVEY]

How long does JOC need to sign on......... playing cat and mouse?

[blueandblack]

now that lote isn't on the payroll, the contract can be renegotiated upwards

[jargan83]

How long does JOC need to sign on......... playing cat and mouse?

Waiting on the ARU
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[tic]

Guys I hope it is wrong, but I heard recently from a source very close to JO'C that he will be signing with the Brumbies.

Maybe this explains why there has been no contract signed.

As I say, I hope the source is wrong.

[jargan83]

I heard from a sauce two weeks ago and they insisted it was a done deal in our favour
Posted via Mobile Device

[tic]

My mail is only a few days old.

But don't hang me if I'm wrong.

[The EnForcer]

I think we should call the saga of signing JOC "Heinzegate". More sauce than even Growdens yearly supply of pies requires.

[robyn <3]

Guys I hope it is wrong, but I heard recently from a source very close to JO'C that he will be signing with the Brumbies.

Maybe this explains why there has been no contract signed.

As I say, I hope the source is wrong.

Yikes. I hope they are wrong too. I honestly think the boy would be an idiot to go there. There is a limit as to how much you can learn of someone at training - there comes a point when getting splinters in your bum week in week out just doesn't cut it. He needs to step up. He's nearly 19, while that is still quite young he's not a baby any more and he needs to become his own player and stop following Giteau around. It really wouldn't help his career going to Canberra. I also hope your sources are wrong Tic

[jargan83]

My mail is only a few days old.

But don't hang me if I'm wrong.

SHOOT THE MESSANGER!!
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[GIGS20]

My mail is only a few days old.

But don't hang me if I'm wrong.

What the hell would a baby know!

[mudskipper]

I thought it was a done deal... surely he signs this week after Lotegate... Unless he's changed his mind? Wasn't something official put out by the Western Force? or an official statement made by Mitchell... I’m not sure the Brumbies are interested any more especially with Ashley Cooper holding down the Wallabies 15 jersey.