No.10 suits Bartholomeusz

Photo: Getty

Mark Bartholomeusz looks ready to step into the flyhalf void at the Western Force left by the season-ending injury to Andre Pretorius and he's pumped to face his former team ACT Brumbies this Friday.

Bartholomeusz spent seven seasons with the Brumbies and earned 68 caps including the championship win in 2004 when the Canberra-based franchise beat the Crusaders in the decider which was his last Super Rugby match.

Since then he carved out a successful European career for himself with English premiership side Saracens, Irish club Ulster and Italy's Petrarca Padova.

He is now delighted to receive another chance in Perth with the Force.

Bartholomeusz looked capable of offering versatility, experience and leadership to the Force, and with the hamstring injury to Pretorius, the 32-year-old has become the leading candidate for the starting No. 10 jersey with Sam Harris, Stefano Hunt and James O'Connor his back-ups.

Bartholomeusz played well at flyhalf in last Friday's trial match win over the Reds with his composure, sure ball-handling and kicking for territory standing out.

He is now feeling ready for whatever awaits this Friday against the Brumbies at ME Bank Stadium.

"We are all aware of the jump up in standard of play that will confront us. Trials are trials and for getting your patterns in place and combinations together to get the running in your legs so that you are ready for Round 1. Now that the real stuff starts we are all keen to get underway with that," Bartholomeusz said.

"If I do run out there in the first game obviously it's a little bit strange playing against my old team in my first match back."

"That was a long time ago now and a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, so I'm just looking to perform as well as I can for the Force and we'll be looking to take a step forward on what we put out on the park in the trials."

Bartholomeusz has spent time throughout his career playing flyhalf, inside centre and fullback, but the No. 10 spot is one he's always enjoyed and is looking forward to the prospect of now spending most of his time there this season.

That doesn't mean he is not disappointed for Pretorius, though, who he got to know quite well over the gruelling pre-season.

"I really enjoy playing No. 10. It's a position I've played at times during my career and it's definitely somewhere I enjoy playing," he said.

"It was good to get some game time there against the Reds and obviously it's disappointing for Andre and the squad, but with that it opens an opportunity for myself and the other No. 10s in the squad."

"We can only put our best foot forward and see how we go. I did train a lot with him and built up a really good rapport with him."

"We get along really well and I'm just disappointed for the guy because I know how much hard work he's put in. He's made the move to Australia, has settled in well and enjoys himself here, so I just feel for him."