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Durban - Junior Springbok fullback Curwin Bosch is excited about the chance of making his Super Rugby debut for the Sharks this weekend.
Bosch has already been touted as one of the top junior players on the South African scene. Having played for EP at U13, U16 and U18 levels and representing South Africa U18s and U20s in recent seasons, the 19-year-old has shown great promise during the earlier years of his professional career.
After excelling for the Junior Springboks during the recent U20 World Championship in England, where he was nominated for Player of the Tournament, he’s set for another milestone at Kings Park on Saturday.
Bosch, who can play at flyhalf or fullback, is set to make his Super Rugby debut as he was named on the bench for the Sharks’ derby against the Cheetahs in Durban this weekend.
“I’m definitely excited. It’s a big honour for me to get this opportunity,” Bosch told MyPlayers. “I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself in terms of playing Super Rugby this year, but I’m grateful that I’ve earned this chance. It’s part of my goals and I hope to make the most of the opportunity should I get on to the field.”
Bosch has trained with the Sharks senior squad during the pre-season preparations. He said he received great mentorship and advice from the experienced players.
“Guys like JP Pietersen and Pat Lambie, just to name a few, have helped me settle in. The players are a tight unit and this makes training so much easier,” said Bosch. “Having spent time with the senior team during pre-season, this will allow me to make a solid step-up at a higher level.
“Playing for the Junior Springboks was a great experience too,” he added. “It definitely opened my eyes in terms of the standard of rugby at international level. Despite the disappointing results in the playoffs (South Africa finished fourth after losing to Argentina in the bronze playoff), I have returned to South Africa as a better player.”
Having played for the Junior Springboks during his first year out of school, and with his Super Rugby debut looming, how does Bosch manage to make a solid step-up to higher levels?
“In modern rugby, your young age doesn’t stand against you as much anymore. If you’re consistent and show hard work on and off the field, you will earn your opportunity at higher levels,” said Bosch. “However, the work doesn’t stop there. You need to be emotionally and physically prepared for the challenge. You also need to be mentally prepared as you’ll be playing against players older and more experienced. You need to be mentally tough at higher levels.”
In terms of his career goals, Bosch has set out various rugby and academic objectives.
“Rugby has kept me really busy this year. I hope to play a big role for the Sharks in future games and continue my development at the franchise. I also want to make the Junior Springbok squad again next season,” said Bosch.
“I do plan to study next year. I want to enrol into a sports science course, specialising in biokinetics. I understand the importance of preparing for a second career.”
Bosch added that he’s enjoying life in Durban too.
“It’s a big change to what I’m used to in the Eastern Cape, but I love it. I enjoy chilling with friends and spending time at home when I get the chance to have a break.”
The Sharks' clash against the Cheetahs in Durban is scheduled for 19:15.
Teams:
Sharks
15. Rhyno Smith, 14. S'bura Sithole, 13. JP Pietersen, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Garth April, 9. Michael Claassens, 8. Philip van der Walt, 7. Jean-Luc du Preez, 6. Keegan Daniel, 5. Stephan Lewies, 4. Etienne Oosthuizen, 3. Coenie Oosthuizen, 2. Franco Marais, 1. Tendai Mtawarira (captain)
Substitutes: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Thomas du Toit, 18. Lourens Adriaanse, 19. Ruan Botha, 20. Tera Mtembu, 21. Stefan Ungerer, 22. Heimar Williams, 23. Curwin Bosch
Cheetahs
15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter (captain), 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Paul Schoeman, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Uzair Cassiem, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Maks van Dyk, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes:16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Luan de Bruin, 18 Johan Coetzee, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Henco Venter, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 George Whitehead, 23 William Small-Smith
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