Exclusive: Sharks' Bosch reflects on breakout year

The former Grey PE pupil was snapped up by the Sharks after two consecutive years playing Craven Week for Eastern Province – the first saw him named player of the tournament. While he certainly is a prodigal talent, his rise into the Sharks' senior ranks may have come faster than expected. That being said, Bosch adapted well and managed to make his Super Rugby and Currie Cup debuts in his first year out of school.

While he came to grips with the rigours of senior rugby, the fullback excelled among his peers and was the pick of the Junior Springbok side that finished fourth at the U20 World Championships in England in June. Bosch was a potent threat with ball in hand and was named Junior Springbok of the Year at the SARU awards evening last week.

It was the second time the 19-year-old has been recognised at the event but the level-headed Bosch gave credit to a number of parties for his success on the field.

“I’m privileged and honoured to get that award – it’s been great for me but I must acknowledge the fact that I’ve been around a great bunch of guys at the Sharks as well as the Junior Springboks which made my job so much easier,” Bosch said.

Disappointment for Junior Boks

The Junior Springboks had high hopes of a top finish in Manchester this year but ended the tournament on a sour note. A 49-19 drubbing to Argentina in the third/fourth playoff wasn’t the ideal end but Bosch believes some hard lessons needed to be learned.

“It was definitely not our goal to come fourth at the tournament, but I think every person will have their own outlook on what went wrong for us," Bosch said.

“Experiencing it first-hand, I think the enormity of the tournament got the better of the younger guys in the squad. If you look at the team, there are 13 guys that can play there next year. If I add my two cents worth, it came down to experience and the moment getting the better of some guys – which is a learning curve.

“We will do much better next year if we are privileged enough to be in the team again. It’s definitely not a lack of talent or work-ethic, we worked very hard leading up to the tournament and all the guys I played with are very talented.” 

Bosch also scored a cracker of a try against eventual U20 Champions England at the tournament. The move was nominated for the try of the tournament. Check it our here - it's the third try in the video.

Senior success

Disappointment aside, Bosch’s year at the Sharks has been massive for his development as a player. He earned three Super Rugby caps – the last of which came against eventual champions The Hurricanes in the quarterfinals in Wellington. The youngster was no shrinking violet and relished the chance to play at the highest level.

“It was a massive step in my career. It was a big step-up from U20 rugby and schoolboy rugby. It was a great challenge, I love being challenged and I am surrounded by such a great bunch of guys that it makes everything else seem so easy," he said.

“Playing the Hurricanes was a great experience. It was a step up even from my Super Rugby debut against the Cheetahs. New Zealand teams are much quicker, fitter and stronger in that regard – especially the Hurricanes,” Bosch said.

A license to play

Sharks coach Rob du Preez used the Currie Cup to blood a number of younger players with an eye on the future. Bosch started at fullback for the majority of the season alongside fellow youngsters Stefan Ungerer, Inny Radebe, Lukhanyo Am and the slightly more experienced Andre Esterhuizen.

The youngsters complimented a strong Sharks pack and took well to Du Preez’ expansive rugby philosophy. While they weren’t given total Carte Blanche to run riot, Bosch believes a foundation is being laid for a more exciting game plan in Super Rugby.

“South African franchises are changing their outlook on their style of play and I think that is great and it suits the next generation of rugby players,” Bosch said.

“Rob has given us a lot of freedom to express ourselves but obviously that freedom comes with responsibility. We are in the process of sorting that out as that young Currie Cup team will be the bulk of next year’s Super Rugby team. I think we’ve gained a lot experience from it.” 

On a personal note, Bosch believes his game has benefitted from the coaching staff allowing him to play his natural game. He has also drawn knowledge from the Springboks in the Sharks backline.

“From a players perspective, the likes of Pat Lambie, JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane and Willie le Roux when he was here – they’ve played a large role in me maturing as a player and understanding what it’s going to take to perform at your best at this level.”

Hopes for the future

Having proved he is capable of playing at the highest level, Bosch hopes to get more game time in the senior setup. The arrival of French International Clement Poitrenaud will make selection interesting, but Bosch is taking it a step at a time.

“First and foremost I’d like to make the team. Competition is quite tough at the Sharks which is healthy for us. I try to keep my rugby very simple, and that for me is performing my best in every game,” the fullback said.

“We’ll take it game by game and hopefully if I have a good Super Rugby season ahead of me I can make the Springbok squad for the end of year tour next year."

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