SOUTH African livewire Sarel Pretorius can’t wait to experience the Rodney Parade roar for the first time with Newport Gwent Dragons this evening.

The 31-year-old scrum-half will make a cameo appearance in the pre-season friendly with the Scarlets (kick-off 7pm) after visiting the famous venue for the first time yesterday afternoon for the team photo.

Pretorius has been used to playing in the vast surroundings of the 46,000-capacity Free State Stadium with the Cheetahs but he is excited about his new home in Newport after hearing good things from compatriot Rynard Landman.

“It’s a great ground with a nice pitch and I have heard the atmosphere is really good – I can’t wait for the Scarlets game,” he said.

“In South Africa we play in some big grounds but this is nice and close. Rynard says that the atmosphere and vibe is really good with everyone singing and backing the side.

“I’ve settled in really well because the guys have been really welcoming but now I am looking forward to getting started.”

No scrum-half can better Pretorius’ tally of 25 Super Rugby tries and the new recruit hopes to provide plenty of entertainment for the Dragons faithful.

“I like quick taps and putting tempo into the game,” he said. “Something that attracted me to the new challenge at the Dragons was that the coaches give you a lot of freedom.

“You can do all you want in training but 80 per cent of the time it doesn’t turn out that way on the pitch so it’s a case of playing what you see.

“Hopefully I can show what I can do and make a difference to the team while I also want to try and help out the younger players if I can.

“I was told before I came over that there are lots of talented young guys coming through here and giving energy to the squad so I’ll try and help them out with my experience if I can.”

Pretorius is set to make a brief first appearance for the Dragons this evening with fellow new boy Charlie Davies and Luc Jones sharing the duties at 9.

“There are good scrum-halves here and there should be lots of competition, which is good,” said Pretorius, who should fill the void left by Bath’s Jonathan Evans. “It’s a long season and we will need the whole squad if we are to achieve what we want.”

- There will be a family fun day at Rodney Parade this evening while the new kit, modelled by Pretorius, is available from the club shop.