Catrakilis hopes to boot Kings to win

GET set for the “battle of the boot” when two of South Africa’s brightest young flyhalves, Demetri Catrakilis and Patrick Lambie, come face-to- face when the Southern Kings clash with the Sharks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight.

The Southern Kings will be pinning their hopes on the booming boot of Catrakilis while the Sharks will be relying on the in-form Lambie to kick them to victory.

While many feel tonight’s clash will be a war of attrition up front, there can be no doubt that the boots of Catrakilis and Lambie will have a major impact on the outcome.

When the pair last came face-to- face Catrakilis had the last laugh when he kicked Western Province to a famous Currie Cup final victory over the Sharks at Kings Park.

Catrakilis, who has been dubbed the “Greek God” scored 17 points in the final including two drop goals which clinched a 25-18 victory for Western Province.

Last week Catrakilis kicked four penalties in the Kings’ historic 22- 10 debut Super Rugby win over the Western Force and his booming boot will play a big factor in the outcome tonight.

Catrakilis was the first star player to nail his colours to the Kings last season after the rookie franchise went on a recruiting drive to bolster their squad.

Though it is early days in his career, Catrakilis will be looking to add his name to the list of South Africa’s top flyhalves with a commanding display tonight.

The young Kings pivot will be eager to put his hand up and be recognised among Springbok candidates Morne Steyn (Blue Bulls), Lambie, Elton Jantjies (Western Province) and Johan Goosen (Free State).

While Catrakilis’ goal-kicking will be crucial, it is the out of hand kicking that may provide the springboard for another upset Kings victory.

“Kicking is always an important part of the game and Demetri is in a key position for us at flyhalf,” said Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons as he looked ahead to tonight’s showdown.

“He is a good kicker of the ball and he has shown that last season in the Currie Cup. Kicking will always be a vital factor,” Solomons said.

The Sharks have started the season well, with good wins over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and the Stormers in Durban.

Sharks coach John Plumtree, however, admitted they were still not 100% happy with all aspects of their game.

“We were not entirely happy with what we did on the weekend in terms of our play,” Plumtree said.

“In saying that, looking at the Kings, their set-piece and defence stats are right up there at Super Rugby standard. That just shows that they are certainly capable.

“I don’t think the Force expected it and they got it. Good on the Kings. If you look at their side, there are a lot of seasoned campaigners, some young guys who are pretty enthusiastic. They put it all together and came up with a good performance.”

Experienced Kings centre Andries Strauss says winning one game against the Western Force does not mean the rookie franchise have really achieved anything yet.

“We are motivated internally and not from outside forces and winning one game does not mean you have achieved anything yet,” Strauss said.

Thanks to their opening day win, rugby fever is running high in Port Elizabeth and more than 40000 are expected to attend the showdown at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.