Vodacom Bulls midfielder Jaco Pretorius showed exactly why he was back in the starting line up after recovering from injury with a brilliant defensive display against the Sharks in Durban.
The former Springbok made 15 tackles in the match, to lead the team’s tackle count and only missed one.
He also assisted in two turnovers and forced three himself as he and Wynand Olivier again combined to shut out the Sharks midfield.
Pretorius, who last played against the Crusaders, showed all the experience and guile expected of him.
“Jaco has the experience and had played at this level for a long time. You can always trust him to deliver the goods,” coach Frans Ludeke said afterwards.
Bio:
Physical: 1.83 & 93kg
DOB: 10 December 1979, Johannesburg
Favourite Film: The Professional
Favourite music: Rock
Favourite food: Chops
Primary School: Fontainebleau
High School: Gelofte
Test caps: 2 (& 1 tour match)
Test debut: 11 November 2006, v Ireland in Dublin
Springbok number: 782
Other: SA Sevens Captain, RWC Hong Kong 2005
Vodacom Bulls debut: 2009 (26* matches), Lions 18
Super Rugby debut: Lions v Highlanders 2007