Boks may need that Bosch boot – Coetzee

SPRINGBOK coach Allister Coetzee says they might need Sharks talent Curwin Bosch’s big boot in an important match during their Rugby Championship campaign that kicks off next weekend against Argentina.

Bosch (pictured) was named as one of four uncapped players in the 34-man Bok squad after the Super Rugby final on Saturday night, and Coetzee was confident that Bosch has shown his mettle as a Bok prospect.

“Curwin has really done well. It’s great to have him. He’s a talented guy, whether he’s ready now or not, he’s very talented and I think he will definitely play for South Africa in future,” Coetzee said from Port Elizabeth.

“So, why not give him an opportunity? His out-of-hand kicking is unbelievable and he can kick to the posts as well. So, you never know – you might need Curwn in an important match to do that.”

And as great as it is that Coetzee has rewarded Bosch’s fine Super Rugby form with a Bok call-up, a few questions regarding the omission of form Lions wing Ruan Combrinck have been asked.

Coetzee acknowledged that Combrink, and even Lions centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg, have put up impressive performances, but added that the players he selected for the Rugby Championship did enough to prove that they belong in the Bok squad.

“It’s always difficult to fit 40 players into 33, and next week it will be difficult to turn 33 into 23, so there will always be unlucky players,” the Bok coach said.

Coetzee also said that the Bok door was not closed for those “unlucky” players who didn’t make the cut this time.

“This squad is not cast in stone. Players who are unlucky at the moment could get an opportunity. It’s 10 weeks of Rugby Championship and anything could happen. They must just stay positive.”