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Through his performances for the Sharks in 2020, Curwin Bosch has earned the opportunity to prove himself on the test stage, he writes DYLAN JACK.
Bosch has made a big step forward in both consistency and temperament this year and the Sharks have reaped the benefits after consistently backing him in the middle of the fly.
The 23-year-old finished Super Rugby Unlocked as the leading points scorer, albeit beating veteran Morne Steyn by a single point, when the Sharks entered the Currie Cup tied for second with the Stormers. He continued that form in the Currie Cup, scoring 15 points through five conversions against the Pumas before his winning performance against the Vodacom Bulls in Durban, where he threw five penalties and a vital conversion on the touchline to lead the Sharks to the victory.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will undoubtedly host some test matches before they enter the British & Irish Lions series. There’s no way that he or even SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, would allow the team to enter the cold series.
This is good news for players like Bosch, who have been eagerly awaiting a chance to prove themselves after June testing against Georgia and Scotland was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There’s no question that Nienaber would have at least used the test match against Georgia to increase the depth of the Springboks in key positions, like flyhalf.
The biggest criticism of Bosch, especially when it comes to considering him a test-rugby flyhalf, has always been around his defense. Of course, that is an area where he can improve, as there is no place to hide players in international matches, where weaknesses are ruthlessly exploited.
However, it’s something you’ve clearly worked hard on already and shouldn’t take away from you what you have to offer.
There has been something of a mature lead in Bosch’s performances this year. He’s rarely in a rush to buy time and seems more like a general in charge of the Sharks’ backline, rather than a youngster desperate to make a line break with every touch of the ball.
In fact, it is Bosch’s kicking game that has been an important, if sometimes underrated weapon in the Sharks’ arsenal. This is not just in reference to his goal kick, although how many players can claim to have applied a 60 meter penalty at sea level? – but also to his out-of-control kicks which, when combined with a wing with Sbu Nkosi’s aerial skills, have wreaked havoc on rival defenses.
He’s kicking really good right now. He’s the guy who kept us in the game with those two long-range penalties early in the first half, ” Sharks coach Sean Everitt said after the team’s win over the Bulls. That put our noses to the fore and the Bulls played a bit to catch up. Curwin’s complete game has improved. Last week, he almost got a robbery on the breakdown. His defense was good. His backfield work has improved tremendously.
“ He is certainly running the game as a mature midfielder should. He looks more and more like an international midfielder and hopefully he can continue that performance. This young man is growing in confidence and I can’t wait for him to reach his full potential. ‘
The Sharks are winning games thanks to Bosch. This was not only proven against the Bulls, against whom he also achieved what is becoming a signature cross kick for Yaw Penxe’s winning attempt, but also in Super Rugby Unlocked against the Cheetahs and Griquas.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK | Super Rugby Unlocked Rd 5
A couple of clutch kicks in the final minutes here from his Player of the Week Curwin Bosch as he lifted the @TheSharksZA over the line.#PlayerOfThe Week # SuperRugby25Years #SuperRugbyUnlocked pic.twitter.com/jz51pROrvU
– Super Rugby / Tri Nations (@SuperRugby) November 11, 2020
This is usually the hallmark of a flying medium that is ready for the next step in its career. Of course, not all nationally shining players make it to the testing scene, but this is something we won’t know for sure about Bosch unless given a proper chance.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images
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