'Bok' Bosch more confident – Du Preez
Cell C Sharks coach Robert du Preez says Curwin Bosch has picked up a lot of confidence after his recent Springbok debut.
The 20-year-old flyhalf came off the bench in South Africa’s 37-15 win over Argentina in Port Elizabeth two weeks ago.
Following Handré Pollard’s return to fitness, the Bulls and Springbok pivot took Bosch’s place in the Springbok squad and the youngster returned to Durban.
Bosch was rested last week but returns to the Sharks starting lineup for their clash against the Pumas this Friday night.
Du Preez says the youngster has taken a lot from his time in the Springbok setup.
“I think he understands the bigger poicture but he’s fitted in like he was never away,” the Sharks coach said.
“Just that exposure has given him a lot of confidence. I think we underestimate how much it means to a player going to the Springboks. When they come back it’s great.”
The rest of the team is largely unchanged for what promises to be a bruising South African derby in Nelspruit.
Inny Radebe is out of action this week due to a knee niggle. That sees Garth April start at fullback. Tythan Adams gets another shot on the right wing, having made his Currie Cup debut last weekend.
Upfront, Ross Geldenhuys returns to the starting XV after a break last week. Akker van der Merwe gets another start at hooker, and the former Lions hooker is beginning to look settled in Durban.
Sharks team (15-1):
Garth April, Tythan Adams, Jeremy Ward, Lukhanyo Am, S’bu Nkosi, Curwin Bosch, Louis Schreuder, Tera Mtembu, Jacques Vermeulen, Keegan Daniel, Ruan Botha, Tyler Paul, Ross Geldenhuys, Akker van der Merwe, Thomas du Toit.
Replacements: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, Jean Droste, Wian Vosloo, Michael Claassens, Marius Louw, Rhyno Smith.