‘Bok-belief’ boosts Bosch

Curwin Bosch will start at flyhalf for the Sharks against the Pumas in Nelspruit tomorrow night and coach Robert du Preez reckons just the few minutes he has had on the Test stage has given him that particular extra confidence that will allow him to dominate at Currie Cup level.

“Curwin is back and Benhard Janse van Rensburg will go to the Under-21s to play the Leopards, his old team. Curwin is looking very good, he understands what we want from him and he’s really fit. Just that little bit of exposure he’s had at that level now has given him a lot of confidence, it’s difficult to estimate what it means that he is now a Springbok,” Du Preez said yesterday.

In the two other changes to the Sharks team, Garth April, plagued by injuries and disciplinary issues, is fortunate to get his fullback spot back because Innocent Radebe is struggling with a knee strain. April’s promotion to the starting line-up also allows Rhyno Smith to get some well-deserved game time off the bench.

The other change to the starting line-up that saw off a second-string Cheetahs side in Durban last weekend sees Ross Geldenhuys back at tighthead prop after a rest last weekend, replacing John-Hubert Meyer. Prop Juan Schoeman is back on the bench in place of Mzamo Majola.

“This is a talented bunch of players and I have no hesitation giving guys game time, but there is still frustration for guys who aren’t getting enough game time, like Rhyno Smith,” Du Preez said.