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The Western Force have sent former Springbok fly-half Andre Pretorius a contract for signature.
Negotiations to acquire an experienced replacement pivot for Matt Giteau progressed sufficiently well during the past week for the Force to submit a formal offer to Pretorius in Johannesburg.
“That’s coming along nicely,” said Force rugby manager Mitch Hardy last night. “I’m expecting an answer from him by Saturday.”
If the Force sign Pretorius to resolve their playmaking impasse, they believe it will lead to a decision by teenage phenomenon James O’Connor within a week.
The Australian Rugby Union are on the verge of making an offer to the Wallaby full-back.
Pretorius is understood to want out of the Lions because he is unhappy about the summary dismissal a fortnight ago of coach Loffie Eloff.
Team leaders Cobus Grobbelaar and Pretorius were so dissatisfied with the turbulence at the top of their union they threatened to lead a player strike ahead of the match against the touring British and Irish Lions side but Eloff persuaded them otherwise.
NSW prop Matt Dunning has also been sent a contract for signing.
“We heard nothing from him today but we’re still confident,” said Hardy, who confirmed the Force had completed formalities to bring to Perth junior international flanker Ben McCalman of Sydney University.
DAVE HUGHES
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ntentID=147606