South African recruit Sarel Pretorius made a strong debut for the Waratahs in a convincing 83-5 Super Rugby trial victory over Samoa A in Tamworth on Friday.

The halfback didn’t figure on the scoreboard but looked very sharp in a game used as an experiment by new Waratahs coach Chris Foley.

Pretorius was well-supported by Berrick Barnes as the Waratahs opened up a 38-5 lead by halftime when both teams made wholesale changes at Scully Park.

Tom Carter crossed twice on the back of strong drives, while Damien Fitzpatrick posted a second-half hat-trick.

All up the Waratahs scored 13 tries but will be concerned by a hamstring injury to winger Lachie Turner, which will be assessed back in Sydney on Sunday.

The Samoan selection was lacking star players on duty with their European clubs.