Catrakilis joins Kings
20 Sep 2012
WP flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis has signed a two-year deal with the Southern Kings.
Catrakilis has featured for Province during the Currie Cup over the last two seasons, but failed to make the match-day squad for the Stormers during this period. The lack of opportunities in Super Rugby is believed to be the main reason behind his decision to join the Eastern Cape franchise.
Cartrakilis will compete with George Whitehead and Wesley Dunlop, who have impressed in the Currie Cup First Division, for the No 10 jersey next season.
The 23-year-old follows Cheetahs centre Andries Strauss and Sharks lock Steven Sykes as the Kings’ new recruitments. Director of rugby Alan Solomons is happy with the quality of players his team has signed so far.
‘Demetri is the more experienced player among our flyhalves,’ Solomon told keo.co.za. ‘He’s shown great form during the Currie Cup Premier Division over the last two seasons for WP. His kicking at goal and out of hand has been excellent. I’m surprised he hasn’t played Super Rugby for the Stormers.
‘Steven Sykes and Andries Strauss also add plenty of value,’ he continued. ‘Steven has had a stint with Leinster in Europe and did very well for the Sharks during Super Rugby and the Currie Cup. He’s also a EP local boy, having gone to school at Marlow.
‘Andries will offer us plenty of experience and leadership. He’s shown his quality for the Sharks and Cheetahs in Super Rugby and travelled with the Springboks to Europe in 2010.’
Solomons added that the Kings have a recruitment plan in place to ensure they will be competitive in 2013. They only have a one-year guarantee in Super Rugby, and will have to feature in a promotion-relegation play-off against the Lions should they finish last in the South African conference next year.
‘We have a good recruitment plan in place, which will help strengthen our squad. Things have been going really well since it was confirmed that we will play Super Rugby in August. I’m confident we will have a team that can do the job next season.’
Meanwhile, Solomons confirmed that flank Luke Watson will be the first-choice captain going into Super Rugby. Watson leads the EP Kings in the Currie Cup First Division.
The player missed the opening rounds of the domestic competition due to a shoulder operation and a following quad strain. But he has shown great form in his four appearances, scoring eight tries which include two hat-tricks.
‘Luke is a player that will score plenty of tries for your team,’ said Solomons. ‘But it’s his general play that has been very impressive. He’s been in great form since coming back from injury.’
Watson’s form could be a boon for the Springboks, considering Heyneke Meyer’s team has struggled with injuries in the loose forward department. Meyer confirmed during his first interview as head coach that all South African players, including those playing in the Currie Cup First Division, will be in contention for national selection.
Solomons believes that Watson can add value to the Boks.
‘Luke has proven he is a quality player and he can make an impact at higher levels. But it’s up to Heyneke Meyer to decide on who he wants to use in his team.’
By Gareth Duncan
408 Comments
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20 Sep 2012, 12:44 pm
@rangerman-147: you have a problem with that? it seems like you’ve just had yours
20 Sep 2012, 12:44 pm
@David-149: I remember days of the Toyota Club Rugby tournament when Despatch and Shimlas used to rule the roost…
I also remember Club Rugby when Woodburne Stadium in PMB used to be packed to the rafters with supporters watching games on MOB day.
SARU have shamefully neglected Club Rugby for years… its about goddamn time they did something about this…
20 Sep 2012, 12:44 pm
wnbb … nah the most important thing is to sign players who can beat the Lions in the telegation match in 2013 …. if the Kings stay in Super Rugby, more big names will come to PE ….
20 Sep 2012, 12:45 pm
@David-149: great news!
club rugby needs all the help it can get imo.
20 Sep 2012, 12:45 pm
@wnbb-141: I am old enough my man, old enough to realise that I know less than I thought I knew when I was younger. Let me leave you with that sentiment…think about it, it may help you get over your anger.
20 Sep 2012, 12:46 pm
@Heavens Game-152: MOB day…nothing like playing your first game of the season in 35 degree heat!
20 Sep 2012, 12:48 pm
@Transformation-151:
firstly i do have a problem with divs bs moan.
secondly read my first post on this thread.
thirdly i have no problem and am mildly supportive of the kings so far.
happy?
20 Sep 2012, 12:48 pm
@wnbb-142: “trying to educate Skeppie on” you sound more and more like an apartheid government official….how the wheel turns!
20 Sep 2012, 12:48 pm
@Skeppie-155: Don’t worry skeppie,we will get you on the right path,sooner rather than later.
20 Sep 2012, 12:50 pm
@wnbb-159: sheeezus!
being on your “path” looks to be a frightening place to be.
a bit tim burton if you ask me.
20 Sep 2012, 12:51 pm
@grant100-153: That will do for me also.Spending weekends in PE will be great.Happy Valley still going strong?
20 Sep 2012, 12:52 pm
@rangerman-147: Following Luke’s successful, and widely publicised, conversion to black a few years back. It is reported that he and his father have convinced a number of new signings to follow suite. Given the geography of the franchise, it is hardly surprising that Xhosa is the ethnic group of choice for most. But it is interesting to note that Andries Strauss has chosen to become Ndbele and has already painted his Nissan Hardbody double cab in the distinctive pattern. If this trend catches on, the Kings should end up comfortably on the right side the Sports Ministry’s guidelines on transformation.
20 Sep 2012, 12:53 pm
whoa!
Kings mean business….
I was hoping Taute and Jantjes would come to Stormers…..!
Fark me….heard Lambie in their sights as well!!
20 Sep 2012, 12:54 pm
@rangerman-160:
I am planning a few rugby weekends in Durbs as well.I’ll sort you out then. 
20 Sep 2012, 12:54 pm
@rangerman-154:
Yeah, my only moan is that it looks like SuperSport has the broadcast rights.
SARU needs to give them to free to air stations, or insist that DSTV include these games in their cheapest bouquets.
20 Sep 2012, 12:55 pm
wnbb, nope … the biggest conference centre in Africa will take the shine away from the valley …
20 Sep 2012, 12:56 pm
Where’s Tackler n Poeps?
Drunk Wellington Sevens fans have left the IRB unimpressed and there are calls for the concourse to become liquor-free.
Commentator Keith Quinn, who says behaviour of crowds is getting progressively worse each year, has called for a dry-zone in the Westpac Stadium concourse from late afternoon to early evening during the tournament.
People would be able to buy alcohol in the concourse but would have to take it back in to the stadium to drink.
It would create a situation where people were there to watch a game and drink, as opposed to just getting drunk, he said.
He had talked to IRB Sevens tournament operations manager Beth Coulter after the last Wellington Sevens.
“[She] gave the impression to me they were not impressed with the behaviour of the Wellington crowd.”
20 Sep 2012, 12:57 pm
@grant10-163: With the one year over their heads,Saru have given them no other choice but to go for these big names.I hope they succeed because i would like to keep the Lions out as long as possible.Well,not to be too harsh against the kitties,i will support them in a play-off against the Bullies.
20 Sep 2012, 13:00 pm
@grant100-166: ****. I used to have great times there as a kid coming up from the cape,visiting family.can’t stop progress or greed,i guess.
20 Sep 2012, 13:00 pm
What I would like to know regarding all these signings is the following.
* Do these players only sign for Kings and play Super rugby?
* Do they sign for one of the teams representing the Kings (EP, SWD & Border) and play domestic rugby after the S15
* Do they pay these players playing in domestic competition for teams with Franchise sponsored money or can SWD/Border afford these players.
* How do they ensure that players bought for franchise is equally split talent wise to three partners.
If anyone knows it would be appreciated if we can get some clarity.
20 Sep 2012, 13:02 pm
@wnbb-168: LOL
They certainly showing some real intent….
20 Sep 2012, 13:04 pm
@katman-162:
@wnbb-164: haha, sounds good. you can end up a double loser
@David-165: agreed, but i guess its all about who pays for the comp and that means the evils of capitalism.
ja maybe they could air them on a different ss channel to ss1 and include that in the R99 bouquet?
20 Sep 2012, 13:08 pm
@grant10-163: Lambie has a contract with Sharks until end of 2014. So doubt he will sign for the Kings. Also why would he? There is NO guarantee that Kings will still be in S15 come 2014. That will be in many young players minds, especially the players that play for the big 3. That does not include Catrakilis as he is not Stormers 1st or 2nd choice flyhalf.
20 Sep 2012, 13:08 pm
@Mr Black-170:
I wondered the same thing yesterday. What we forget, though, is that SARU pays the provincial side a subsidy for each player selected for a franchise.
20 Sep 2012, 13:09 pm
@Skeppie-156: Also nothing like playing in Durban North behind the garage… The fields ringed by the Durban North trendoids, the balcony packed by the Old Man Knights… and fcking up the home team
Had many a post game slash off that balcony… Very gratifying…
20 Sep 2012, 13:09 pm
@grant10-171: real intent?
the greek, andries strauss are intent
20 Sep 2012, 13:10 pm
@rangerman-176:
20 Sep 2012, 13:10 pm
@Puma-173: lol this bs rumour about lambie better not be true but i really cant see pat wanting to leave the sharks when he has been told he is the 1st choice 10 for next year.
why would they have signed the greek if the wanted lambie haha.
20 Sep 2012, 13:12 pm
@Transformation-167:
Why should the IRB care if Wellingtonians enjoy a few beers.
Pontificators.
20 Sep 2012, 13:17 pm
@cane-179: Its the “leave the natives unsupervised with alcohol and watch them fck everything up” POV that they are trying to avoid…
Its what happens if the savages cant hold their beer properly…
Completely understandable…
20 Sep 2012, 13:17 pm
@rangerman-178: Lambie has a contract with Sharks until 2014. He signed that contract only this year. So for me that is just a rumour. Unless we sign Elton and he will want to get our of the contract have no clue. For now doube he will want to leave Sharks for Kings that may be out of Super Rugby 2014. Doubt many players playing for the big 3 will want to sign for Kings. Not yet anyhow.
20 Sep 2012, 13:18 pm
@Puma-181: our = out
20 Sep 2012, 13:18 pm
@Puma-181: bugger, another typo…hehe. doube = doubt
20 Sep 2012, 13:21 pm
@David-174:
Yes for Super rugby, but can they afford them for the CC?
Just wondering since R40 mil was mentioned by cheeky.
20 Sep 2012, 13:21 pm
@grant10-163: No Grant, I don’t think Lambie will leave the Sharks for another SA franchise. He is a Sharks man through and through, grew up supporting the Sharks and more importantly his family has been very involved in the Sharks. If Lambie leaves it will be for an overseas deal
20 Sep 2012, 13:22 pm
@Puma-181: It is obsfucation by the HSM Kings mouthpiece…
Fat chance in hell that De Klerk will let any Lions player play for the Kings or WP if he has any say in the matter…
Also, Straeuli’s Lions shopping list, along with Jantjies, probably also includes Taute, Van der Merwe and one of the Props…
20 Sep 2012, 13:28 pm
@Heavens Game-186: For sure. Doubt the Lions players will want to join the kings, then be in the same situation as they are now in a years time when the Kings may not be playing S15 in 2014.
I personally hope Elton goes to Stormers. Really don’t want us to mess with Lambie. Plum has said he would be our 1st choice fh next year. He was our 1st choice this year as well. Some forget Lambie actually played more at fh than fb this year.
20 Sep 2012, 13:30 pm
@Heavens Game-175: Damn your eyes HG soiling that hallowed grass behind the bar! The playing quality of my beloved saders currently is a crying shame.
20 Sep 2012, 13:31 pm
@Sharksgirl-185: Yeah, Lambie is Sharks through and through… Unlike some notional Sharks supporters who reckoned Jimmy farken Stonehouse was a better option than Plum, another Shark through and through, halfway through the season…
20 Sep 2012, 13:31 pm
@Sharksgirl-185: That is it. He is just too sharp. Doubt he will want to leave Sharks for another franchise in SA. He will head off overseas if he leaves. Rather go where you can earn more money.
20 Sep 2012, 13:32 pm
It’s been a subject oh debate in recent weeks… who should be playing flyhalf for the Springboks? Here four of southern Africa’s best past No 10s tell rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen what has gone wrong with Morne Steyn and who should be waering the No 10 jersey in future.
THE EXPERT PANEL
NAAS BOTHA: He’s a former Springbok captain, with 28 Tests to his name between April 1980 and November 1992. He made his debut at flyhalf at the age of 22 and played his last Test at 34. Probably the greatest flyhalf ever to play the game.
KENNEDY TSIMBA: Born in Zimbabwe, he made his name playing for the Currie Cup-winning Cheetahs in the late 90s and early 2000s … and became something of a cult hero in the Free State. He earned five Test caps and was once considered the best flyhalf in South Africa.
JOEL STRANSKY: The former Sharks and Western Province No10 slotted THAT drop-goal during the 1995 World Cup, earning 22 Bok caps between 1993 and 1996. Not only a great goal and tactical kicker, but also a player who summed up situations quickly on the field.
ERROL TOBIAS: A man who did battle with Botha for the No10 jersey, he played in six Tests for the Springboks. Was at his prime in the early 80s, winning his caps between 1981 and 1984. A real student of the game and a player who loved to run the ball.
Johan Goosen may be the man to take over.
Getty Images
Your thoughts on Morné Steyn’s performances in 2012?
Naas Botha: It’s a tough one, but there’s no denying he’s going through a tough patch and his form isn’t up to scratch. Everyone goes through these things, but it is perhaps time for a change. Morné’s confidence appears to be shot … this isn’t personal, it’s just that he’s not playing well and he’s also struggling with his kicking.
Kennedy Tsimba: I never thought he was a great tactical kicker or general of his team … what set him apart was his very accurate goal-kicking, and now that’s deserted him. The pressure’s on because he’s not hitting the mark … and questions are being asked.
Joel Stransky: I really feel for him … two years ago he was a great running flyhalf, but it seems it’s something that’s been completely coached out of him (and the team). He’s been coached to kick the ball and I really feel for him … it’s influenced his whole game. His game is off, his confidence is down.
Errol Tobias: We mustn’t look at Morné Steyn in isolation … but rather look at the way the game is played today. Heyneke Meyer has not grasped the fact rugby has evolved … especially when it comes to flyhalf play. There is now space and time for flyhalves to attack more, because defenders are five metres behind the last man’s feet … yet Morné is still being told to kick.
What is wrong with the Boks’ play at No10?
Botha: We need to remember that no player picks himself and every player plays according to what his coach believes is the best way. I don’t think, however, the coaches are allowing the flyhalf to run the show … they’re not being given the right to do what they’re supposed to do at No10.
Tsimba: A flyhalf is only as good as his pack and the Boks don’t have that all-dominant pack of the last few years. Our current pack has been up-and-down and not so cohesive and we also don’t have Fourie du Preez anymore who took a lot of pressure off Steyn in the last few years.
Stransky: It looks as if Steyn is playing according to a structure which doesn’t suit him … and it’s not working. It’s time for a change.
Tobias: With so much space and time now for the No10 we need someone in the position who can create play … not someone whose first option is to kick the ball. There is no creativity in the most crucial decision-making position.
Is Johan Goosen ready to make the step up?
Botha: I don’t know if he’s the answer … we’ll only know once he’s played a few games against the best, but what he’s shown is pretty impressive.
Tsimba: There’s no doubt he’s very talented, but I don’t think we’ve seen enough of him to be singing his praises. Look, he’s a great strike runner and he kicks the ball miles, but is he a general, a team controller at No10? I don’t know yet.
Stransky: I think he’s shown enough … he’s got everything and he’s got a natural decision-making ability. He can look up, sum up the situation and make the call and it’s generally the right decision. He’s spontaneous in his decision-making.
Tobias: I’ve been impressed with his natural instinct for the game … the way he reads situations, but it’s a completely different scenario when you start a match, and don’t come off the bench. There’s a different pressure and the coach’s instructions are different.
What about Elton Jantjies?
Botha: He’s playing great rugby at the moment but, let’s be honest, the Currie Cup is not at the same level and standard as Super Rugby and Test rugby. He’s in good form, though, and we’ll only know if he’s good enough if he plays … let’s see.
Tsimba: Consistency of performance is the best guide to determine selection … and Jantjies has been solid for two years now. We know what he’s done and we know what he can do, he varies his game well and can play the running and kicking game … and his goal-kicking is good.
Stransky: He’s a very talented player and he’s playing extremely well in the structure the Lions have created for him … it suits him very well. He’s been coached to move the ball at specific times and kick at other times, it’s very organised rugby and I’m not so sure whether he’s actually a good decision-maker. His decision-making seems “manufactured”.
Tobias: There is no doubt Heyneke Meyer must now look at the future of the Springbok No10 position and Elton is part of that future. He should have been given a chance already at Test level … and should get a look-in now.
If you were a selector who’d be your flyhalf for the Loftus and Soccer City Tests?
Botha: Goosen or Jantjies
Tsimba: Jantjies
Stransky: Goosen
Tobias: Goosen or Jantjies
Note: In discussing the flyhalf position, not one of the men interviewed brought up the name of Pat Lambie as a flyhalf option. All seem to view him more as a fullback than a flyhalf, with Stransky saying he would certainly offer more to the team than Zane Kirchner. “He kicks as well as Kirchner does, but offers more in attack. I’m not sure whether he’s got the pace to play at fullback … but he still offers a lot. With what’s on offer at No10, Lambie’s international future looks to be at fullback.”
Tsimba added he’d like to see Lambie get a decent run at fullback for the Sharks as well as the Boks. “He’s a good kicker and a decent counter-attacker … but he needs an extended run in the position.” – The Star
20 Sep 2012, 13:34 pm
@Mr Black-184:
I suspect that EP will be the flagship province and Border, SWD the minor feeder unions.
20 Sep 2012, 13:36 pm
@Puma-187: Lambie will start and be No. 1 FH most probably…
But, nothing like some healthy competition for a position and considering the season is farken long, injuries can derail a side, having two excellent 10′s, like the Sharks have at least 2 excellent players for most positions especially in the backs, will only strengthen the Sharks and increase their chances of winning S15 next year…
Its up to Plum to manage this situation well…
And if Jantjies does sign for the Sharks, then may the best two young players prevail at 10 against allcomers.
20 Sep 2012, 13:37 pm
@grant10-191: Grant,
What the heck? You have taken over from Transie and become the copy and paste KING here!! ……
Actually I personally don’t mind, it brings some better topics here to speak about.
20 Sep 2012, 13:38 pm
@Heavens Game-189: Okai okai guilty as charged! I am sorry but after the last 3 seasons I did lose faith in our coach
But I have come out of my stupour, fortunately! He cannot be all that kak if he got our Sharks to play the quality of rugby they ended up playing at the end of the SR! Just hope he produces that a little earlier next year so we can play the final in Durban.
” another Shark through and through, halfway through the season… ” a little unfair considering that in the last 5 seasons I have missed less than 10 home games!!! and I have the Sharks emblem permanently tattooed on my left arm!
20 Sep 2012, 13:40 pm
@Heavens Game-193: I think if Elton comes then Plum may play Lambie at FB. I don’t think he truely wants to play there and he will leave. Probably go overseas like Fransie did. So no bud, it is not a good idea at all. Lambie is pure class at fh. Just that some have forgotten.
We need to look after our own first. Bosman is playing superb right now and can be back up fh. Elton should be heading off to Stormers where he will start every game.
20 Sep 2012, 13:41 pm
@Heavens Game-193: The thing is Jantjies will realise that Pat is a fave at KP… he will also realise Pat will probably be the starting 10…
However, if he realises this and is still prepared to come to the Sharks, and sweat blood to give Pat some healthy competition then it can only be good for the team….
And the team is the important thing at the end of the day… Not favouring one player just because he is a fans favourite, even if it is Lambighini…
20 Sep 2012, 13:41 pm
@Puma-196: @Puma-196: meant – truly.
20 Sep 2012, 13:42 pm
@grant10-191: Sounds like Naas wants to see everyone play for the Boks before he can decide who should play for the Boks. Not the most practical route.
Also not sure about Joel’s “manufactured decisions” comment. Sounds like the rondkyktwak speaking.
20 Sep 2012, 13:43 pm
@Heavens Game-193: I fully agree with you!!!! on this one, would love Jantjies to come to the Sharks! (I just hope he has a shite game this week end
)
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