The Blues have left the Cardiff City Stadium for their old home in the centre of town and the club’s new captain is convinced it will prove to be a positive move.
The South African-born flanker feels it will bring him and his team-mates closer to the fans, both on and off the pitch, as the region search for success under new boss Phil Davies.
“It’s going to make a massive difference to us having those fans there on game day, making a bit of noise and getting into the opposition – that’s what rugby’s all about. That’s what we as players enjoy,” said Pretorius.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Club. Some of us haven’t had the opportunity to play a professional match at the Arms Park yet.
“It’s great to have a bit of an atmosphere and to have the opportunity to interact with the fans a little bit more and have them get to know us.
“Especially over the last year or two, we’ve lacked that at the Club. It’s understandable then that fans don’t show up when it gets wet and boggy out there and the game’s on TV.
“When you get to build a bit more of a personal relationship with them, they look forward to coming to see you and you look forward to seeing them after the game as well.”
With the season opener at Connacht now just over a week away and a home tie with Edinburgh on the horizon, Pretorius says hard work and a real squad ethic are resulting in a positive mood in the Blues camp.
The appointment of former Scarlets and Leeds boss Davies has been a big boost according to the 26-year-old, with the entire squad buying into Davies’ philosophy of reaping what you sow.
“Phil has seriously opened our eyes. He’s been a big breath of fresh air coming in,” added Pretorius.
“The standards he sets are really challenging but really fun as well. He works really hard and sets an example which is easy to follow.
“One of the main things he’s done is to challenge us not just physically but mentally this pre-season. That’s made the group of us become a lot closer, which is fantastic.
“We all understand that the regions are going through a transition period but that’s where Phil’s philosophy on the game really shines through. He’s got a very big focus on the players that want it the most. The ones that work the hardest are the ones that are going to get to play.
“That means it’s great for the development of our young players. A lot of our players have just come back from the U20 World Cup – they’ve got a massive point to prove, and they’re in the best environment to be able to do that.”
