Sharks pack set up Bloem victory
BOSCH: FLYHALF’S PERFORMANCE ALMOST FAULTLESS
Visitors dig deep to deny Cheetahs a win at home.
Star Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch might have walked away with the accolades after their 38-30 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday, but it was the Durban side’s forward pack who made a strong statement ahead of the big battle with the Lions this coming weekend at Ellis Park.
Bosch raked in the Man-of-theMatch award, along with 18 points from the game after missing just one of his eight kicks, while the second-half effort of the Sharks forwards paved the way for the win.
“It’s never easy in Bloemfontein and the Lions will be another tough challenge this weekend at Ellis Park. It certainly doesn’t get any easier,” said Sharks captain Tera Mtembu.
The visitors took an early 15-3 lead before the Cheetahs fought their way back to lead 23-15 early in the second half.
The Sharks, however, ran in 23 points to lead 38-23 deep into the second period.
“We were looking at our forwards to improve on the previous week against the Kings and eventually we got better in the scrums too,” Mtembu said.
The Sharks scored four tries through the brace of rightwing Kobus van Wyk, left wing Lwazi Mvovo and flank Dan du Preez, while the Cheetahs answered with tries by centre Francois Venter, wing JW Jonker and brilliant leftwing Raymond Rhule.
For Bosch it was a dream evening, but he too was quick to compliment his forwards.
“I played at No 10 before for the Sharks in last year’s Currie Cup, so it wasn’t a difficult transition to make from fullback,” said the 19-year-old Bosch.
“The forwards deserve a lot of the credit and we were eager to bounce back after the poor performance against the Kings (the previous week).”
Sharks kicking coach Braam van Straaten was also credited by Bosch for contributing to his performance.
“Braam really works hard with our kickers,” he said.
It’s never easy in Bloemfontein and the Lions will be another tough challenge this weekend at Ellis Park.
Tera Mtembu Sharks captain