Bok call-up could spark Catrakilis

KINGS flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis will come under a brighter spotlight than usual when his side tackles the Cheetahs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Catrakilis was added to the Bok training squad this week – the only Kings player in the 38man group – a reward for his understated but effective play in a position where only he and the Bulls’ Morne Steyn have shown consistency this year.

So in addition to trying to guide his side to a muchneeded victory over the high-riding Cheetahs, Catrakilis will know that another strong showing will not harm his test claims in the short term.

Catrakilis has featured in all 11 matches of the Kings campaign and has already amassed an impressive 107 points. He’s landed an excellent 39 out of 47 shots at goal for a success ratio of nearly 83%.

The Cheetahs cannot afford to lose any ground to the Bulls in the race for first place in the South African Super 15 Conference and understand that a maximum five-point haul is crucial against the lowly Kings.

Durban sees the most crucial fixture of the weekend where the Bulls travel to meet the Sharks, the first of two clashes between the sides in the space of three weeks, if you discount the test match window.

The Bulls are six points clear at the top of the SA conference and could cement their spot with a ninth win in their 12th match.

A seventh loss will finish off any slim hopes the Sharks have of reaching the play-offs.

The Stormers, whose campaign is one breath away from flat-lining, have put together a scratch team to face the Reds at Newlands at 5pm tomorrow.