Homeboy Bosch makes his debut in front of PE fans

RUGBY prodigy Curwin Bosch said it was very special running out in front of 44 000 adoring fans to make his Springbok debut against Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Alexandria and attended Grey High School, came on late as the Boks roared to a convincing 37-15 win in front of a raucous crowd.

There was a heart-stopping moment when Bosch had a kick charged down close to his own tryline, but the cool-headed 20-year took it all in his stride.

Bosch was star at Craven Week level for Eastern Province before he was signed by the Sharks.

“It was special running out here for my first game, and being back at home was quite nice,” Bosch said.

“Beside that first kick I had it was a great feeling and it was one of the most special moments in my career.

“I think it is any [SA] rugby player’s dream to play for the Boks. I am just really grateful for the opportunity that I received back home here in PE.

“At the moment I am still developing as a rugby player and as an athlete. For now my focus is on getting better and improving and learning something new every day.”

Bosch said he was still unsure whether his future lay as a fullback or flyhalf.

“Whether it is 15 or 10 is a question that answered in the future.

“If you are playing Super Rugby and Currie Cup your chances of playing for the Boks just get better and better. I am also grateful for any chance and I just want to keep improving.

“I am grateful for the opportunity back at the Sharks. I am grateful for every opportunity that has been given to me.

“Coach Allister Coetzee said to me I must be myself and he backs me and it is just up to me to go out there and do what I do best.”

Apart from Bosch, there was also a huge cheer for Bok loose forward Siya Kolisi.

The Zwide-born forward scored one of South Africa’s four tries as the Pumas wilted.

Afterwards Kolisi thanked the Port Elizabeth crowd for their support and said he hoped many more Tests would be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Coetzee praised the Port Elizabeth crowd who helped roar the Boks to victory.

“The two weeks they spent here in Port Elizabeth building up to the Test were fantastic. The players were also great on and off the field.

“A lot of credit must go to the supporters in Port Elizabeth. You could see how well supported the team were today and at our open training sessions. There was a great vibe.”

Coetzee said the Boks will stay and train Elizabeth until tomorrow. will be in Port