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
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 7 8 » Show All
17 May 2011, 17:18 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-148:
I’m not sure I follow….
17 May 2011, 17:18 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-149:
Here’s hoping Supersport show the 1st division otherwise we’ll all be none the wiser
17 May 2011, 17:20 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-149:
I’m saying that I dont think it matters much. He will have to produce something truly sensational to be seen firstly as a rugby player.
17 May 2011, 17:20 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-151:
Lol. I think PA missed the comma in your final sentence.
17 May 2011, 17:21 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-152:
We’ve got Keo-TV for that, dont you know?
17 May 2011, 17:21 pm
LOl sure Luke we`ll promote you above Brussouw, Flo and Schalk in the ranks!
17 May 2011, 17:22 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-154:
OK, that maybe explains it. Lemme rephrase:
“I really dont know those Watson’s. So I can’t contribute anything useful…”
17 May 2011, 17:24 pm
Good luck to Watson and the Kings. Purely on rugby any quality players returning is good for SA rugby. Lets hope a few more can do the same. That said I couldn’t help one little limerick..
there once was a kid called luke
who really quite enjoyed to puke
he f8cked off over the sea
to the d.utchies great glee
but oh cots he’s now back in pe
17 May 2011, 17:24 pm
Now where is Heavens Game?
I wrote that limerick just for him……….
17 May 2011, 17:25 pm
@Greenfever(Greenfever)-158:
Heavens Game is very precise about limericks,
It goes:
A
A
B
B
A
17 May 2011, 17:25 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-157:
That’s better
17 May 2011, 17:26 pm
@Greenfever(Greenfever)-158:
In plain words: You are disqualified
17 May 2011, 17:27 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-157:
Haha, then my reply makes no sense at all!
No matter! Got your point!
17 May 2011, 17:27 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-161:
Yeah, before we have to make sense of all the ******* that will ensue.
17 May 2011, 17:29 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-164:
****** being ****** ( all the asterisks)
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-163:
Ah yes, vary gud.
17 May 2011, 17:29 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-162:
AABBA????
What’s all that about?
17 May 2011, 17:32 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-166:
That’s what you get when Anna-Frid and Agnetha stand on one side, and Bjorn and Benny stand on the other side. very technical…I dunno ask HG.
17 May 2011, 17:33 pm
Is the interest in Luke really burning
for three yarns on King Puke Returning?
Rather the Keo-Safika minions
Selling the freedom fighter’s opinions,
Whilst the Hardest Rugby Game spurning…
17 May 2011, 17:33 pm
A young rugby player called Luke
Had his intentions gravely mistook
Because it wasn’t the Bok
Over which he wanted to hock
It was John Smit’s cancerous book
17 May 2011, 17:36 pm
There was a Bok coach called Jake White
Who thought young Luke Watson was shiite
So he left him in the lurch
Till they met up in church
And now everything is alright
17 May 2011, 17:37 pm
@Original-Pierre(Original-Pierre)-156: And Daniel… and Steggman…
17 May 2011, 17:39 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-171:
You mean:
And Stegman…..and Daniel
Anyways I wrote a beautiful, reconciling limerick and no response? Eish. I hope the Bulle mat jou sommer!
17 May 2011, 17:41 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-170: Just a little rewrite…
There was a Bok coach called Jake White
Who knew young Watson was shiite
So he left him in church
Upon hearing of his lurch
And now everything is alright
17 May 2011, 17:42 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-172: didnt see cuzzie… will have a look
17 May 2011, 17:44 pm
some breaking news.
It is speculated that M Steyn has signed a 2 year contract with Bath to replace Butch James
17 May 2011, 17:45 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-143:
Nee man… far too “truth and reconciliation” to be genuine…. 
17 May 2011, 17:46 pm
@grant10(grant10)-175:
HAHAHA really Grant, you nancy boy!….Grant….GRANT!?!? tell me you’re joking!
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-174:
Sorry HG, it’s teh Bulls and Sharts this weekend, we may have been friends in teh past, but now I’m gonna have to treat you like Luke treats the jersey that feeds him.
17 May 2011, 17:47 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-172:
Don’t tell him. He’ll ruin it like he did to my masterpiece.
17 May 2011, 17:48 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-177: True….announcement to be made shortly.
Cheetahs beware…i reckon bulls will be hunting those ebersohns now
17 May 2011, 17:48 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-172: And no… Its definitely “And Daniel… and Stegmann…”
Daniel can do a Sonny Bill offload… Stegg?
17 May 2011, 17:49 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-180:
Stegmann doesn’t need to offload, he can recycle effectively.
17 May 2011, 17:50 pm
@grant10(grant10)-175:
It wouldn’t surprise me. The cycle has already started and it will continue in earnest.
Sign up for a NH club straight after the WC, make a few quid, then come back in a couple of years and reclaim your Bok, AB or Wallaby spot.
Cushty…
17 May 2011, 17:51 pm
sharks by 4
but subject to plod on bench
and botes starting
17 May 2011, 17:51 pm
“Shortly after reports of Steyn being linked with Bath broke he posted on his Twtiter account,”I hear things that I will go to Bath, so I just want to let you know I have not spoken with anyone.”
“I’m still with the Bulls until 2013!” he said.
17 May 2011, 17:52 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-182: ja.
the surprise is he resighned with bulls till 2013, but now Bulls seem happy to let him go….
I reckon them bulls eyeing Sias
17 May 2011, 17:52 pm
@grant10(grant10)-183:
We havent seen the teams yet Grant…..So we can’t say for certain by how much the Bulls will win.
17 May 2011, 17:53 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-181: Then Stegg is lucky Daniel not playing come Sat… His recycling plant would be messed up…
Come to think of it his recycling plant going to be fully Deyselnated…
17 May 2011, 17:53 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-184: for cheetahs sake I hope he stays
17 May 2011, 17:54 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-186: if plod plays
and no Botes
Bulls by 12
17 May 2011, 17:54 pm
@grant10(grant10)-183:
Hmmm, not sure who to pick on Saturday. I might just go with the Bully Boys in a desperate effort to leapfrog HG who will obviously have Sharks by 30.
17 May 2011, 17:54 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-184:
The Bulls get criticized around here for being “kick-and-chase dinosaurs”, but they are LOYAL kick-and-chase dinosaurs.
17 May 2011, 17:55 pm
@grant10(grant10)-175:
Not happening, he has signed with the Bulls till October 2013 – these are just UK journo’s speculating.
17 May 2011, 17:56 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-169: Just a one word retort…
Agile’s new disease designation:
Lukemia???
17 May 2011, 17:56 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-187:
No, it runs on Deysel, for 2 ‘Marcks. And anything else he can have for breakfast…..
17 May 2011, 17:56 pm
@grant10(grant10)-185:
Lets hope they get Naas Olivier instead
17 May 2011, 17:57 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-194: LOLLLLLLLLLL. Speechless, prat!
17 May 2011, 17:58 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-193:
…marked by acute emesis and limbic congestion.
Treatment: .50 slug.
17 May 2011, 17:59 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-197: Hehehehe!!
17 May 2011, 17:59 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-190: LOL
Sharks damn tough to beat at the tank….really for me it depends on there team….they will miss Kanko and Keegan….but with Botes fit will have a counter for steggies and Dewalt…
Bissy must play….plod will seriously undermine the sharks chances, and i mean that sincerely with no malice
17 May 2011, 18:00 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-193:
Have you not seen the news today? Apparently they can cure that now. Maybe there’s hope for Luke after all.
Right, off home through the mean streets of N’djamena. Dodging bombs, hippo’s and the smelly sandals my driver is wearing today.
Laters folks…
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 7 8 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.