The start to the Super Rugby season has provided few clear-cut answers to the Boks’ flyhalf conundrum, but in Curwin Bosch, SA rugby has a raw gem that needs to be nurtured, writes CRAIG LEWIS.
One of the central issues that contributed to the Springboks’ ongoing woes last year revolved around the problems that persisted in the troubled No 10 position.
In the absence of injured Handré Pollard, Allister Coetzee backed Pat Lambie to start at pivot during the June Test series against Ireland, but those plans were scuppered when he was laid low with a serious concussion during the opening encounter in Cape Town.
In-form Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies was then expected to seamlessly step into the role, but he battled to translate his Super Rugby success on to the Test stage. With the Boks embracing a different brand of rugby to that of the Lions, and with Jantjies asked to implement more of a kicking game, he never quite looked himself.
Eventually, the selection of Morné Steyn to start in the final two Tests of the Rugby Championship smacked of desperation as the veteran flyhalf came in to provide a safety-first option, but one that had no long-term benefit.
On the end-of-year tour, Lambie started the first two Tests, while Jantjies came in at 10 for the final encounter, but both fought a losing battle as the Boks slumped to one disappointing defeat after another.
In light of a woeful 2016 season, the one glimmer of hope for this year was provided by the news that Pollard was set to make his return to action after more than 12 months out of the game, with many believing he would provide the obvious answer at No 10.
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Yet, here we are five rounds into Super Rugby, and it’s clear that Pollard is still working his way back to his best. Admittedly, he is playing in a Bulls side that has struggled to establish any semblance of ascendancy, but the 23-year-old has looked a shadow of his former self.
Of course, there are still two months of action to go before the June series against France, but Coetzee must be starting to get just a little nervous that early indications seem to suggest he could once again be facing a selection dilemma at flyhalf this season.
As it is, Lambie has once again been sidelined with injury, and while Jantjies has had some bright moments for the Lions, there has been little to alter the perception that his game is primarily suited to a team playing a ball-in-hand brand of rugby, which is not going to be the case at Bok level.
At the Stormers, Jean-Luc du Plessis initially emerged as a potential Bok bolter at 10, but an injury has stifled that early momentum.
Yet, out of the rough, a diamond has been unveiled in Durban. In the absence of Lambie, the prodigiously talented Bosch has underlined his status as one of the brightest rising stars on the South African rugby landscape.
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This is not to suggest for a moment that the 19-year-old could be the answer for the Boks this June, but he is certainly a player that the Sharks and SA Rugby need to invest in for the future.
Although Bosch has predominantly played at fullback since leaving school, he certainly doesn’t look out of place at flyhalf, while his goal-kicking is out of the top drawer.
Despite his tender age, Bosch has displayed composure and maturity beyond his years at the start of this Super Rugby season, and has already played an instrumental role in each one of the Sharks’ wins.
It’s understood that there have been some concerns around Bosch’s defensive capabilities, and it has been clear to see that this remains an area of his game that requires work.
In the context of his progression as a player, it’s essential that he is afforded the opportunity to work closely with specialist conditioning and collision coaches in order to build confidence in this department of his game.
But let’s also not forget that both Pollard and Lambie made their Bok debuts at the age of 20. Undoubtedly, Bosch is a talent to the same degree.
It’s been clear to see that he already boasts immense big-match temperament, and his progression and game management must now be carefully handled by the Sharks and SA Rugby going forward. He is that good.
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
