Luke still has Bok ambition
17 May 2011
Luke Watson says he would be open to representing the Springboks again and believes they are in a stronger position than any other team to win the World Cup.
Watson was speaking in Cape Town en route to Port Elizabeth where he will commence duty with the EP Kings after two years at Bath in the Premiership.
He left South Africa in late 2009 having established a reputation for being outspoken on a range of issues, most notably representing the Springboks. At a dinner at University of Cape Town Rugby Club, he was alleged to have said, among other things, that he felt like vomiting on the Bok jersey when he debut in 2007 because of what it represented.
Although it was never confirmed that he said this, many of the senior Springboks, who had been vehemently opposed to his late inclusion in the 2007 World Cup training squad, used the claims to further justify their dislike and disregard for him.
Watson, whose father Cheeky was a prominent activist during the struggle years, intimated that his thinking and attitude at the time had been influenced by others. He, however, suggested that he returns a different person.
‘I grew up in a fundamentally different environment to most – every word was watched, every decision I made monitored,’ Watson told keo.co.za. ‘I remember being interviewed by CNN at the age of 10 and asked whether I support the Springboks. I said “yes”, but was quickly rapped over the knuckles by the powers that be because it wasn’t the correct thing to do politically.
‘I never really had an opportunity to establish my own identity and make my own decisions. These 18 months in Bath have been incredibly beneficial in that regard. It’s given me the opportunity to assess the things that I value.
‘It’s easy for me to sit here and tell you how mature I have become. But I can only hope that over the next few years you will notice that there are certain values and principles have have been altered. I’m still going to be the Luke Watson that speaks from my heart, not too worried about the consequences that come with the truth. I’m not going to shy away from any issues because of opposition I’ve received in the past.
‘Yes there are things that I still don’t agree with at a national and regional level. But if I do get the opportunity to represent my country again I will do so very proudly.’
Watson is unlikely to force his way into the Springbok World Cup squad, and never gave the impression that he expected to. But that didn’t stop him from sharing his views on where they stand at present.
‘As far as talent squad and depth goes, I don’t think any team can match the Springboks,’ he said. ‘If the All Blacks lose Dan Carter or Richie McCaw there are big, big holes to fill. We’re not in the same situation. Most of our players are very easily replaceable. We’re in a very strong position if the right team is selected and managed correctly.’
Watson added: ‘I’d like to see a couple of the youngsters who haven’t got an opportunity to play Test rugby get that chance before the World Cup. For example, for me it’s ridiculous that Duane Vermeulen hasn’t played any Tests. He has been the most consistent loose forward in the last two or three seasons of Super Rugby. Yes we have great loose forwards, but surely you have to find an opportunity somewhere for him.
‘Also, I’d like to see Pat Lambie play two or three Tests at 10. Peter Grant deserves an opportunity as well. We’ve seen what Morné Steyn can do, but we should go to the World Cup knowing that we have options in terms of playing different styles against different teams.’
The 27-year-old, who will compete with Eastern Province in the Currie Cup First Division and Vodacom Cup (in 2012) until the Kings’ entry into Super Rugby in 2013, said he wasn’t available to any other franchise in 2012.
Watson acknowledged the prevailing perception that he was taking a massive step backwards in his career, but explained the decision, saying: ‘I was in heaven in Bath, earning pounds and captaining the side. Life was easy. I could have stayed in Bath and taken comfortable, easy route. But I knew there was something greater that I could achieve.
‘I understand that people would look at the move from one of the top sides in Europe to playing Currie Cup First Division as a step down and a risk. But I look at the long-term potential of this decision, especially its ability to uplift a community and region. Sure there are a lot of things that are not ideal. But there are a lot more that are.
‘I really believe that the players and the resources are there for the Kings to be successful. It’s incredibly difficult to keep the talented players in the Eastern Cape without a Super Rugby franchise. The Kings solve that problem, although I appreciate that it will take time [to hold on to the region's best players].’
360 Comments
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17 May 2011, 16:18 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-99:
What I tell you?
17 May 2011, 16:18 pm
whats this?
Luke has signed with Keo???
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Luke-Watson-signs-with-Keo-20110517
17 May 2011, 16:19 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-96: Classic!
17 May 2011, 16:21 pm
Cheetahs team to host Rebels:
1. COENIE OOSTHUIZEN 2. ADRIAAN STRAUSS (CAPT) 3. W.P. NEL 4. FRANCOIS UYS 5. WILHELM STEENKAMP 6. KABAMBA FLOORS 7. ASHLEY JOHNSON 8. DAVON RAUBENHEIMER 9. SAREL PRETORIUS 10. SIAS EBERSOHN 11. RYNO BENJAMIN 12. CORNE UYS 13. ROBERT EBERSOHN (VC) 14. RIAAN SMIT 15. RIAAN VILJOEN
Replacements: 16. RYNO BARNES 17. LOURENS ADRIAANSE 18. MARTIN MULLER 19. JOHAN WESSELS 20. TEWIS DE BRUYN 21. NAAS OLIVIER 22. HENNIE DANILLER
17 May 2011, 16:21 pm
@Knersboy(Knersboy)-97: Where was this?
17 May 2011, 16:21 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-100: Another involuntary physiological response… Should have read “your team’s chance”…
Need to give this Luke induced tic a name…
17 May 2011, 16:22 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-61:
Well, we are talking about snot nosed kids here and as you said, Justin Bieber is the kind of tat they are listening to. I don’t think 99% of them would know the Clash or the Pixies.
Gouge Away would be awesome, I’m catching your straight up rock drift. I just don’t now how they are going to pull of the harmonies in ‘Where is my mind’ to be honest. My son is lead guitar and lead singer, and he’s never sung before in his life, but no-one else wants to do it so he’s stuck with it
Ahhh, the trials and tribualtions of a wannabe rock g.od…
17 May 2011, 16:25 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-105:
There was once a kid from PE
Whos daddy liked a terrorist party
The party came into power
So he sits high in his white tower
Thinking he’s gods gift to Eastern Cape rugby.
17 May 2011, 16:26 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-106:
Lukemia
17 May 2011, 16:28 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-107: To be honest, no Pixies track is easy to cover Frank Black’s intense vocals puts it beyond most people. Unless you “make it your own” by doing a unique cover. Having said that, there was a Pixies cover band in Pretoria in the early 90’s who really nailed it.
I’d say the earlier, manic stuff (off Surfer Rosa and Come On Pilgrim) is much harder than most tracks off Doolittle and Bossanova.
17 May 2011, 16:29 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-108: tl tl tl putrid… try harder
17 May 2011, 16:29 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-106: An interesting PD…. Considering that homeground advantage for the Sharks translates to around 8 pts on average, the Bulls would need to be 15 points better than the Sharks on the day for to get the 7 pts lead… I dunno about that.
Going to be close… I reckon Sharks will sneak in by one due to homeground adv and benefit of the doubt by the ref (if it is Bryce Lawrence as Transie says)…
17 May 2011, 16:31 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-109:
Eish… Gwantie is going to have a farking stroke
17 May 2011, 16:31 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-108: Hehehe
17 May 2011, 16:33 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-112:
Yes, it is Bryce, very strict at the breakdown, and loves to penalize for holding on. Will have to see when the teams are announced.
17 May 2011, 16:35 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-115: bryce pinged mcCaw for falling on the wrong side of the ruck, so i expect abput 3 penalties from Stegmann
17 May 2011, 16:35 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-105: in holland at the lowlands festival and in spain at bennicassim festival. damn good times those were.
17 May 2011, 16:35 pm
Why so many Luke Watson stories going around ?
Stormers are playing the Blues , Sharks and Bullies are playing , Cheetahs are on great form , Lions just won an away game, why on earth is Watson and the Kings the stories this site’s producing.
Keo and his favourtism journalism.
17 May 2011, 16:36 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-110:
You’re dead right. I’ve never really thought of it before, but as a non musician even I can see how difficult it would be to cover them. Only ‘Here comes your man’ or ‘Cecilia Anne’ off the top of my head might stand a chance.
Imagine trying ‘Tame’ ffs
17 May 2011, 16:36 pm
he who laughs last………
2012 is coming…..
the boks will be without Plod, Matfield, J Smith.
They will need a leader…..
Transie….keep this post for future reference .
17 May 2011, 16:38 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-115: but he was too lenient on riaan viljoen & sarel pretorius who were playing waaay to close or over the offside line @ the rucks. if mcloed is sharp he can get in fdp’s face in the same way, but he’ll have to be very quick!
17 May 2011, 16:39 pm
@Knersboy(Knersboy)-117: Hmmm… jealous I am.
17 May 2011, 16:40 pm
Welcome to the Kings, master Watson
Here’s a lovely jersey to kots on.
And now that you’re older,
some chips for your shoulder?
No thanks, I’ve already got some.
17 May 2011, 16:40 pm
@grant10(grant10)-120:
Is Juan Smith retiring ? Where did you hear that ?
Jean De Villiers should be the next best bet
17 May 2011, 16:41 pm
did he say categorically that he would like to play for the springboks again or did he say I would like to represent my country again or did he say I would like to represent the proteas (again)?
17 May 2011, 16:42 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-119: Tame would be a nightmare to cover. You’d have to go for a larynx transplant after the gig.
17 May 2011, 16:43 pm
Lets hope Watson survives in his Kings jersey without puking
17 May 2011, 16:48 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-126:
Hahaha. I saw the Pixies in 1990, and maybe it was the giddiness associated with seeing my heroes, or the passage of time, but I swear the guitarist (the guy, can’t remember his name off top of my head) took his guitar off and started kicking it around the stage while playing Tame…….and he was IN TUNE!!!!!
17 May 2011, 16:48 pm
When we think in extremes we judge in extremes.
Not everything is either or, black and white…
I read with interest a tweet from Tank Lanning today (watch out for his article on Thursday on News24) where he said his chat with Luke this afternoon was ‘pleasantly surprising’ (or something to that effect) almost admitting he was expecting some ******* but got a totally different person to what he imagined.
Not everything in life is either right or wrong. The possibility of something being right and wrong at the same time allows us to evolve in our patterns of thinking and eventually, in life.
Just a thought.
17 May 2011, 16:49 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-128: Joey Santiago. He probably did.
17 May 2011, 16:50 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-128:
Was acid still big in the 90′s?
17 May 2011, 16:52 pm
@Papoose(papaown)-102: One more reason to see the Luke Watson brouhaha for what it is: a crass attempt at making money.
17 May 2011, 16:53 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-128: now i am jealous. when i saw them in 2005 and 2006 i loved it, but i remember thinking if only i could have seenthem when i was totally ape about them.
they never played letter to memphis, i love that song.
17 May 2011, 16:53 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-129: respect.
17 May 2011, 16:53 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-131: still is big in the right circles
17 May 2011, 16:55 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-116:
It happens. What will be more interesting is to see how the two openside flanks apply their work, and how high the work rate is, and what the tight 5s affors their teams affecting these roles.
17 May 2011, 16:56 pm
Oh, and by the way folks, my 2c worth seeing as everyone else has had a shot.
Personally, I hope with all of my being, that Luke comes home and he gets the chance to play rugby away from all of the controversy that has dogged him for such a long time now. But it needs both the fanboiz and the detractors to give him a clear run at it.
All of this talk about Luke the puke is as stupid as the triumphalism trotted out to shove one up the ‘haters’ arses.
Give the guy a break dudes. From both sides.
17 May 2011, 16:58 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-137: agree
17 May 2011, 16:58 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-130:
Ahh, that’s it. I think I’ll be digging out some sounds this evening for a trip down memory lane.
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-131:
Yes, but I was too stoned for the acid to have any effect
17 May 2011, 17:01 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-139:
Good man
17 May 2011, 17:01 pm
@grant10(grant10)-138:
I don’t think I’ve ever been soooooooo mad watching rugby as with Scholtz pinning Watson to the ground in Bloem. NEVER EVER!!!
But I’ll bet you Luke has moved on and bears no grudges.
Let’s see how his rugby goes.
17 May 2011, 17:04 pm
@Knersboy(Knersboy)-133:
Yeah, I was lucky I guess because I was right into them and the Chilli Peppers at the time and saw them both in a month or so in London.
The Pixies was at Brixton Academy, they were indeed awesome.
17 May 2011, 17:05 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-137:
OK…but one last limerick:
There once was a loosie called Luke Watson
He was a very Cheeky twat’s son
He looked and strode like a garden gnome
At the sight of the Springbok his mouth would foam
But it’s time to forgive all that was said and done.
the end.
17 May 2011, 17:06 pm
What I think of Watson doesn’t matter but he has become a topic in rugby that is like discussing politics or religion which leads me to the same conclusion ,keep your opinion to yourself , rather not talk about it as it is such a controversial and BLA BLA BLA topic just like politics and religion .
17 May 2011, 17:07 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-143:
The greatest thing about Luke, is he realised he was used as a pawn by his dad and those with interests other than rugby at heart.
Let’s see if he has become his own man…
17 May 2011, 17:08 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-143:
Haha, not bad. But you should change ‘the end’ with ‘Amen
17 May 2011, 17:11 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-145:
Sorry, but I dont care to find out. Everybody should feel this way, more or less, and leave the poor guy to just get on with life. Yes, we are having fun at his expense, but I really dont know those Watson’s, can’t contribute anything useful…..
17 May 2011, 17:13 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-147:
Unlike us keyboard warriors?
I think their contribution is worth far more than yours or mine (judging on how I know you which is through a blog).
17 May 2011, 17:14 pm
Any event.
We can finally judge him as a rugby player. At least that is what he is saying from what I read.
17 May 2011, 17:18 pm
Okay, I am calling time on this subject – some other time again.
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