test2wa

Super 14

Mark Bartholomeusz is ready to step into the fly-half void at the Western Force left by the ending injury to Andre Pretorius.

He's also excited at the prospect of facing 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 has 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.

And with the hamstring injury to Pretorius, the 32-year-old has become the leading candidate for the starting number 10 jersey with Sam Harris, Stefano Hunt and James O'Connor his back-ups.

Bartholomeusz played well at fly-half 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 one. Now that the real stuff starts we are all keen to get under way 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."