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Durban – Sharks coach Robert du Preez says that flyhalf Curwin Bosch will have to improve on his first-time tackling as he moves forward with his career.
Bosch, so good for the Sharks all season, was exposed defensively in Saturday’s Currie Cup final as the Sharks slipped to a 33-21 defeat to Western Province in Durban.
The 20-year-old missed tackles in the build-up to two crucial tries – on Seabelo Senatla and Nizaam Carr – as the Sharks shipped 18 points in the second half to blow a 21-15 half-time lead.
Du Preez, speaking after the match, acknowledged that the side’s defensive errors were a significant blow to their title charge on the night.
There were obviously other areas that cost the Sharks the game - their scrum was woeful throughout and Bosch certainly wasn't the only one to miss tackles - but the performance of the youngster was firmly in the spotlight given how successful he has been throughout the tournament and given his Springbok credentials.
This shaky tackling display wouldn't have done him any favours with the Bok squad set to be announced on Sunday.
"You’ve got to make your one-on-one tackles," he said.
"If you don't ... they get momentum on that half-hearted defence. It's definitely very costly."
On Bosch, Du Preez said that defence was an area that he had focused on all season.
"We've worked really hard with Curwin on his one-on-one defence," he said.
"It's definitely an area of his game that he's going to have to work hard on going forward, especially playing international rugby."
Sport24's @LloydBurnard is in Durban covering the Currie Cup final...
