This is the 6th in the series of Stormers Squad Contenders for Super Rugby 2014. We do 2 articles per week per South African Super Rugby participating franchise.
We discuss the players IN the Super Rugby Group, and not all the options beyond that.
In this Article we look at the contenders for FLYHALVES in the DHL Stormers 2014 Super Rugby group, and whether they could force their way into Bok contention.
The Contenders:
Name: Demetri Catrakilis:
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Demetri Catrakilis is a product of Saheti Primary School, St John’s College, University of Johannesburg (UJ) and University of Cape Town (UCT).
He started his career in 2006 when he represented the Lions at Under 18 level. He has grown quite a lot from there and has gone on to represent Western Province in the Currie Cup and the Southern Kings at Super Rugby level.
Catrakilis showed his true value as a player in last season of Super Rugby where he was a shining star in a struggling Southern Kings side and was also responsible for majority of their points in the 2013 season.
Catrakilis has however not had the brightest stays at Western Province and Allister Coetzee has come into question a lot regarding this matter. He is virtually the No 2 flyhalf in South Africa behind Morné Steyn, however at Western Province he seems to be undervalued and quite a bit lower in the pecking order.
The whole of South Africa will most likely be baffled if Demetri Catrkilis is not the starting flyhalf at the DHL Stormers this season. The big question is what does Catrakilis still have to do to prove to Allister Coetzee that he is the only starting option at flyhalf or will Allister Coetzee still stare blindly to Peter Grant, who should be 4th in this team’s pecking order.
His playing career is as follows:
- 2006 – Lions – U18 Academy Week
- 2007 – Lions – U18 Academy Week
- 2008 – Golden Lions – ABSA Under 19 Competition
- 2011 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, UCT – Varsity Cup, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2012 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2013 – Southern Kings – Vodacom Super Rugby, Eastern Province Kings – ABSA Currie Cup First Division, Southern Kings – Super Rugby Promotion / Relegation, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
Name: Kurt Kendall “Kurt” Coleman:
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Kurt Coleman is a product of Knysna Primary School, Grey High School and Stellenbosch University (Maties).
He started his career in 2008 when he represented Eastern Province at Under 18 level. He made his move to Western Province in 2009 and has remained loyal to Cape Town. He first represented the Stormers in Super Rugby in 2011.
I feel that Coleman and Catrakilis should be number 1 an 2 in this team’s starting lineup at flyhalf. Coleman is a young and talented player and has a bright future ahead of him.
Let’s just hope that Allister Coetzee can look past Peter Grant in his team selection.
His playing career is as follows:
- 2008 – South Africa – U18 Elite Squads, Eastern Province – U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week
- 2009 – Western Province – ABSA Under 19 Competition
- 2010 – Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition
- 2011 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Maties – Varsity Cup, DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition
- 2012 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, SWD Eagles – ABSA Currie Cup First Division, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2013 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
Name: Peter John ” Peter” Grant:
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Peter Grant is a product of Port Shepstone Primary School, Maritzburg College & the University of Stellenbosch (Maties).
He first came into prominence in 2002 when he represented Natal at Under 19 level. He made his move down to Cape Town in 2003 and remained there until a few seasons ago when he left for a Japanese-based Club. He however returns yearly to still form part of the Stormers Super Rugby squad every season.
I feel that Grant should be No 4 in the pecking order in this squad, at flyhalf. He was good a couple of season ago, there are however younger and better players in the side at present. Allister Coetzee however likes to push on Grant’s button when it comes to Super Rugby. I think that if this is the case, that it will not be a good thing for the Stormers.
His playing career is as follows:
- 2002 – Natal – U19 Competition
- 2003 – South Africa – IRB FIRA-AER U19 World Championship, Investec WP – ABSA U20 A Section
- 2004 – Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Investec Western Province – ABSA U20 Competition Section A
- 2005 – Investec Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Investec Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Round, Investec Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2006 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2007 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, SA Emerging Springboks – IRB Nations Cup, South Africa – Vodacom Tri-Nations, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Springboks vs Barbarians – Vodacom Outgoing Tour
- 2008 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Springboks – Vodacom Incoming Tours, Vodacom WP – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Springboks – Vodacom Tri-Nations
- 2009 – WP – MTN test, Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom Western Province – British & Irish Lions Tour, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2010 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Kobelco Steelers in Japan
- 2011 – DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, Kobelco Steelers in Japan
- 2012 – DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, Kobelco Steelers in Japan
- 2013 – Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, Kobelco Steelers in Japan
Name: Gary Jacques “Gary” van Aswegen:
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Gary van Aswegen is a product of Standerton Primary School & Standerton High School.
He started his career in 2006 when he represented Mpumalanga at Under 16 level. He remained in the province and represented the Pumas in 2007 and 2008 and made his move to Western Province in 2009.
Van Aswegen has had very bad luck in Super Rugby and in rugby in general with various injuries hampering him. He however finds himself in a squad with two very talented young flyhalves and in my opinion should be the 3rd choice flyhalf in this squad.
It will also help Van Aswegen quite a bit if his body can last more than 3 games, should his button be pressed on.
His playing career is as follows:
- 2006 – Mpumalanga – U16 Coca Cola Grant Khomo Week
- 2007 – Pumas – U18 Academy Week
- 2008 – South Africa – U/18 Elite Squadss, Pumas – U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week
- 2009 – Western Province – ABSA Under 19 Competition
- 2010 – Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition
- 2011 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby , DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition
- 2012 – DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2013 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
Starters:
Under all circumstances this is a no brainer in the minds of supporters out there, but not in the mind of the DHL Stormers coaching staff. Demetri Catrakilis needs to start at flyhalf and Kurt Coleman should be the bench option. Allister Coetzee however tends to swim against the tide at times.
My starting combination will be as mentioned above, with Gary van Aswegen as my 3rd choice.
Do not be surprised if Peter Grant gets the nod however, with Kurt Coleman on the bench, as this is possibly just how Allister Coetzee sees it.
Only time will tell how selections will be handled in this team but since doing these articles, it would seem as though the DHL Stormers coaching staff are making a lot of work for themselves.
The next Article in the range will deal with the Stormers midfield.
Van Aswegen should start. He is a excellent player. A bit injury prone, but has excellent vision on the field.
Not related but as this is on top. Quarter Final results from 7s in George: SWD 12 – Kaizer Chiefs 0
Samurai 19 – Living Ball 5
Unlimited Titans 19 – Sharks 10
Kenya 19 – WP 17
Earlier results from 3rd round in George 7s: Kaizer Chiefs 22 Western Province 19
Samurai 45 Sharks 7
Masakane Old Boys 14 Eye of the Tiger 12
Unlimited Titans 24 Leopards 5
Living Ball 29 Cheetahs 10
Kenya 22 SWD 12
George Premier League 7s tournament, results from the 2nd round: Samurai 45 Kaizer Chiefs 10
Sharks 26 Masakane Old Boys 5
Western Province 43 Eye of the Tiger 5
Unlimited Titans 26 Living Ball 19
Kenya 34 Cheetahs 12
Leopards 26 SWD 10
George Premier League 7s tournament, bowl semi-final results: Eye of the Tiger 24 – Cheetahs 19
Leopards 33 – Masakane Old Boys 7.
George Premier League 7s tournament, Eye of the Tiger to play Leopards in the bowl final
George Premier League 7s tournament, quarter final results: SWD 12 – Kaizer Chiefs 0
Samurai 19 – Living Ball 5
Unlimited Titans 19 – Sharks 10
Kenya 19 – WP 17
George Premier League 7s tournament semi finals will feature SWD, Samurai, Unlimited Titans and Kenya. GO TITANS!
George Premier League 7s tournament, Bowl Final between Eye of the Tiger and Leopards scheduled to kick off at 14.32 South African Time
George Premier League 7s tournament 2nd Cup semifinal is on now
George Premier League 7s tournament CUP FINAL due to kick off at 16.00 SA time
George Premier League 7s tournament, Plate Semifinal results: Living Ball 43 – Kaizer Chiefs 5; Sharks 19 – Western Province 12
George Premier League 7s tournament, Living Ball will take on Sharks in the PLATE FINAL, kick off 14.54 SA time
George Premier League 7s tournament, Samurai will take on Titans in the CUP FINAL. Semi final results:
Samurai 26/0 SWD; Titans 29/7 Kenya
14 @ Bullscot:
Jeez, Unlimited Titans did well, so far!
Pity this tournament is not on TV this time around!
On the DHL Stormers flyhalves…
I agree with Timothy that if Allister Coetzee had sense… and I doubt he has enough… I’d also start with The Greek, with Kurt Coleman on the bench.
It is not only at flyhalf though, where sense needs to prevail at the Stormers! The use of Deon Fourie or not at OPENSIDE FLANK as compared to hooker, is another sticky question and that is further complicated by their game plan approach where they seem to go into their shells in the second half… or after scoring 3 tries, trying to defend a lead.
Part… or most part of the Stormers problems in 2013 was their scrumhalf and flyhalf combination.
It now seems Louis Schreuder will be regular scrumhalf, but flyhalf is sooooooooooo pivotal in every sense, one needs ONE prime starter for as long as possible and a clear indication who is next in line.
Problems with the Stormers flyhalves are as follows:
1. Peter Grant – Only has a ‘Pop Gun’ at posts and therefor cannot take long kicks at goal. He is also limited in attack and predictable
2. Gary van aswegen – Far too injury prone, therefore cannot establish himself for long enough and make it stick
3. Kurt Coleman – Talented but also a bit like Burton Francis was (at the Bulls and where he played)… a bit like a kameelperd who’s neck is too long and running style laborious.
4. Demetri Catrakilis – He and Toetie (Allister) Coetzee don’t seem to get along well or Toetie has some hidden agenda against Demetri. He is by far the most complete flyhalf at the Stormers… and playes the closest type of game to that of Morné Steyn, so would be a good option at the Bokke too.
15 @ grootblousmile:
Yes it is a pity its not on TV, didn’t know that so that would explain why found it so hard to get the info
George Premier League 7s tournament, Leopards won the bowls final, Leopards 17/14 Eye of the Tiger
Living Ball won the plate final, Living Ball 26/22 Sharks
George Premier League 7s tournament, CUP FINAL on now Jimmy Stonehouse’s Titans and the Samurais
20 @ Bullscot:
Samurai 33 / 17 Unlimited Titans
Samurai retain their title
Busy watching Toulouse vs Saracens game…
Altogether 11 South Africans amongst the 46 players (2 x 23 squad size), if you include Matt Stevens as a saffa.
that is almost One Quarter of the players.
Both sides have SA scrummies (Jano Vermaak & Neil de Kock) and both sides have SA hookers (Chiliboy Ralepelle & Schalk Brits), apart from players in all sorts of other positions… mostly forwards bar Brad Barrit at centre
I quickly count 36 South Africans who were involved in Heineken Cup match-day 23’s on Friday, Saturday and today… and then I have not seen the name of Morné Steyn, Bryan Habana is injured on the sidelines… and I suppose there is a host more out there.
Of the 12 games (24 squads) playing this weekend, that is about 6.5% of all players.
Just as many New Zealanders, a bit less Australians, a host of South Sea Islanders and Argentinians… so together the Southern Hemisphere players must number close enough to 35% of all Heineken Cup players in the 24 squads for the weekend in Heineken Cup.
In some sides the SA presense is of course more pronounced than in others… Saracens, Edinburgh, Toulon, Toulouse, Ulster.
And most of these saffas shine for their sides…
Halftime, Toulouse 12 / 8 Saracens
2nd Half on in the Toulouse / Saracens game
Toulouse win by 21 / 11 Saracens
Congratulations to Samurai for winning the George Premier League 7s tournament
George Premier League 7s tournament – Cup 3rd & 4th Playoff – Kenya 33/15 SWD
Cup Final – Samurai 33 – Unlimited Titans 17. Good third place finish for Kenya who were a late replacement team for the Blue Bulls who pulled out of the tournament.
23 @ grootblousmile:
Yes there are a lot of players from the southern hemisphere playing up here GBS, I’m actually surprised there were only 36 in this weekend’s Heineken Cup squads, but I guess Saracens and Edinburgh’s high SA player count are balanced out a bit by the likes of Northampton and Harlequins who have very few, if any.
23 @ grootblousmile:
And as you say GBS there are some like Habana who are injured and then others in the team’s extended squads who weren’t playing this weekend like Tyron Holmes for Glasgow and newly signed Andries Strauss for Edinburgh. When you counted players to be South African did you include the likes of Antonie Claasen who now plays for France?
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