NEW recruit Sarel Pretorius is relishing the chance to develop another side to his game when he heads to Newport Gwent Dragons from the fast tracks of South Africa.

Pretorius is vice-captain of the Cheetahs and has made a lively start to the Super Rugby campaign with his sniping and support runs, scoring a terrific try in last weekend’s win against the Blues.

But the 30-year-old knows that a European winter at Rodney Parade will present a different test to encounters at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

“I know it will be a different type of game up there, especially because of the conditions,” said Pretorius to MyPlayers.co.za.

“I won’t be able to play the attacking game, which I enjoy a lot, but it will help me develop another side to my skills and ability. I was overseas before with the Waratahs in Australia, but Europe will be a total different challenge.”

Pretorius earned the move to the Dragons when he caught the eye against Australia at Twickenham last autumn.

“The club liked what they saw when I was with the Barbarians, so I was happy when the deal came my way. It will be a good challenge for me on and off the field, and an exciting move for my family,” he continued.

“I also have some good contacts up there when I make my move and I’m sure they will help me settle in.

“Fellow Saffas Brok Harris and Ligtoring Landman are at the club, while Johan Goosen is in France (with Racing Metro) and there are a few other former Cheetahs teammates in Wales (the Scarlets’ George Earle and the Ospreys’ Rynier Bernardo).”

Harris headed to Rodney Parade on the back of a Currie Cup win with Western Province and his compatriot is hoping to follow suit by enjoying a successful final campaign with the Cheetahs.

They have won both of their games so far and Pretorius believes they can repeat their 2013 trip to the playoffs.

“That experience helped us. We don’t only know how to qualify for the playoffs, but we know what it takes to win knockout games,” he said.

“It won’t be easy as there’s a long, long season ahead. But if we stick to our game plan and play to our strengths, we can achieve success.”