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Andre: No plan to kick drops
27/11/2006 08:28 - (SA)
Adnaan Mohamed, Son
London - Andre Pretorius says his four dropped goals against England at Twickenham on Saturday were not planned at all.
The Springbok flyhalf said it was just a matter of playing the situation.
"No, I didn't even think about it (before the match).
It depended entirely on the situation. If we could increase our lead to eight points, it meant that they would have to go for the try. They were actually forced to try two long distance shots at goal. To be leading by eight points was therefore very important to us," Pretorius said after the Boks had beaten England 25-14 in Saturday's second Test.
Last week Pretorius replaced Butch James who suffered a knee injury in the second half. Pretorius struggled with his form and was under severe pressure to perform.
But in the second Test on Saturday he responded magnificently and raised his game several notches. He dictated play with the boot and by the way he coolly slotted those four dropped goals, it was clear that he had regained his confidence.
Pretorius did admit though that the pressure got to him a bit and he had to prove that he was capable of playing in northern hemisphere conditions.
"You are always under pressure once you pull that Bok jersey over your head as I've said many times before. But I worked hard on my game this week and just decided to come out and prove that I am able to play in these type of conditions. The way the team played made it so much easier for me. Ricky's (Januarie) outstanding play took the pressure off me," a satisfied Pretorius said after the game.
Pretorius also felt that the Boks' victory over England will give them a psychological advantage before next year's World Cup.
"Yes, it is especially important because we will be tackling England twice before possibly meeting them again in the World Cup," Pretorius added.
- Son
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