Sharks’ Bosch expects intriguing battle with Bulls as rugby returns to South Africa
Updated | By Gareth Jenkinson
Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch says its difficult to predict what to expect from the Bulls this weekend as rugby returns to South Africa with a one-off Super Rugby double-header at Loftus Versveld.

Rugby returns to South Africa this week with all four Super Rugby franchises taking part in a one-off double-header at Loftus Versveld on Saturday.
It has been over six months since the 2020 Super Rugby season came grinding to a halt, with the Sharks having established themselves as potential tournament winners. The Durban outfit sat prominently at the top of the overall Super Rugby log with six wins from sevens games when the competition was postponed indefinitely.
The COVID-19 pandemic all but scuppered the work done by the dynamic, youthful Sharks team that seemed to be enjoying life under new head coach Sean Everitt. With six months seemingly lost to the global pandemic, the Sharks will be looking to pick up where they left off this Saturday.
There is little in the way of real consequence in the Vodacom Super Fan Saturday clashes, although the matches will allow players to improve their standing with the Springbok coaching group given that 60 of the top players will be involved in the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown the following weekend.
The first match of the afternoon will see the Sharks take on the Bulls in what promises to be an intriguing clash. The Durban outfit have welcomed newcomers Manie Libbok and Werner Kok to the team during lockdown, while the Bulls have a new coach in Jake White as well as a host of experienced campaigners that have settled into a new home at Loftus during this period.
Sharks and Springbok flyhalf Curwin Bosch says both players have brought some new energy into the team as they prepare to restart the South African rugby season.
“It's obviously great to have guys of that quality joining us. I think Manie will slot in very well with us, the style we play, the backs that he has around him, will compliment his game. We’re really looking forward to seeing what he can add to the team,” Bosch said.
“We all know the type of player that Werner is. We pride ourselves in never giving up and going for the full 80 minutes and Werner is the type of player that will never back down. He’ll add a lot of value to our team with his workrate that he has and his work ethic off the ball as well.”
Contrasting styles
All eyes will be on the Bulls and the prospective playing style they adopt under 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White. The new boss has brought in the likes of Springbok fullback Gio Aplon and flank Nizaam Carr, who will complement what looks to be a very good forward pack.
Given that no rugby has been played for over six months and the Bulls a fresh air about them, Bosch admits that its difficult to know what exactly to expect from Pretoria this weekend. One thing is a given though, the hosts will look to dominate the visitors from Durban.
“This week we’ve approached a little bit differently. We see this as preparation for the competition that is coming so we haven’t really had an in-depth look at the Bulls. But if you look along the lines of who their coach Jake White has signed, you can expect a physical game on Saturday. They’ve got a massive pack of forwards and very good backs out there as well,” Bosch predicted.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us, obviously we want to try play a speed and tempo game so it's going to be really interesting to see how the two teams clash. I think the Bulls are going to want a lot of set pieces to play from and they’re going to want to try to slow us down while we will try and speed things up. It’s going to be a nice test for us.”
The whole environment around the return to rugby, with strict protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, is sure to be a new experience for all involved. Bosch says it's great to be back in the park, although things will be different.
“It’s obviously been great to be back at training over the past couple of weeks. I think the bodies are still adjusting to the contact training and that sort of thing but we’re looking forward to finally getting back on the pitch this weekend. It’s going to be different with no crowds, it's going to be a different experience for all of us. Nonetheless we’re just looking forward to throwing a rugby ball around again.”
Eyeing a Springbok recall
Following this weekend’s double-header between the Super Rugby franchise teams, 60 players will then be involved in the Springbok Green vs Gold exhibition clash next week. Springbok backline coach Mzwandile Stick and forwards coach Deon Davids will head up the two teams respectively, which will go head-to-head next weekend.
What makes the exhibition match more exciting is that the two coaches will select their teams in an old school, ‘You-go-I-go’ player draft for the clash. A number of exciting youngsters have been named in the wider squad up for selection, with Bosch among them.
Having two Springbok caps to his name, Bosch is understandably hungry to add to his tally and given his form in 2020, the flyhalf seems due for another shot in the Green and Gold. Given that Springbok incumbent Handre Pollard will spend a few months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, Bosch admits he’s keen to grab any potential opportunities.
“Yes definitely, I think I mentioned it earlier in the year. I’ve had a little bit of a different approach this year and that hasn’t changed. My main focus is at the Sharks and performing well for the team and helping us succeed. If I can get that right I think the Springbok selection will take care of itself. But I do see it as an opportunity for me to get a run at 10 again, it will always be my dream to play for the Springboks and its part of the reason why I resigned for the Sharks until the next World Cup.”

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