Stormers v Brumbies: Demetri Catrakilis the key figure in Super Rugby elimination final

BOTH coaches have predicted a “Test match” style encounter when Stormers face Brumbies with goalkicking ace Demetri Catrakilis the key man.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 30: Demetri Catrakilis of the Stormers during the Super Rugby match between DHL Stormers and Toyota Cheetahs at DHL Newlands Stadium on May 30, 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Luke Walker/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

BOTH coaches have predicted a “Test match” style encounter, and Stormers goalkicking ace Demetri Catrakilis shapes as the most influential man on the field in the elimination final against the Brumbies.

Statistics reveal Catrakilis is the sharp-shooter of Super Rugby, kicking with an impressive 89 per cent accuracy, compared to 72 per cent of rival Christian Lealiifano.

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Australia does not play a Test in South Africa this year, but Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham and his counterpart Allister Coetzee agree this looming match in Cape Town could be as tough as any Wallabies v Springboks encounter.

And that’s where five-eighth Catrakilis’ superior goalkicking skills — and the Stormers’ incredible form in the penalty count — will make life hard for the Brumbies.

Catrakilis of the Stormers has an impressive 89% kicking accuracy.

The Stormers have been awarded the most penalties of any team this year, have conceded the least penalties of any team this year, and have also forced the most scrum penalties of any side in 2015.

“It’s about taking your opportunities this weekend, and to kick your three points is going to be vital,?” Coetzee said.

“You’ve got to take all the points coming your way. We’ve got to make sure that our discipline is impeccable like it has been all season, and that we put some scoreboard pressure when we get penalties.

“We’ve got one of the best goal kickers in this comp (Catrakilis) in our side and I’m really thankful for that and we’ve got to capitalise on that.”

Larkham said the last time his side faced the Stormers, losing 25-24 at Newlands after Lealiifano missed a regulation conversion, has left him in no doubt as to how intense this elimination match will be.

“It was Test match intensity and that’s what’s required to beat the Stormers,” Larkham said.

“They’ve got a very big forward pack so the biggest lesson for us is understanding that physicality will be a massive part of this game.”

Coetzee echoed that sentiment.

“It is (a Test match), it’s absolutely going to be, it’s going to be physical and it’s called a Test match because you’re tested in all departments,” he said.

“It’s going to be a test at scrum time, it’s going to be a test at lineout time, a test at the breakdown.

“Our composure, our patience, everything will be tested. The big thing is that it’s not about the technical plan or the tactical plan, it’s got to come from within.”

Originally published as Stormers v Brumbies: Demetri Catrakilis the key figure in Super Rugby elimination final