Could this be the rebirth of Curwin Bosch as a flyhalf?
The talented playmaker has gone from being in the Springbok match-23 in the first Test of the season against Wales to being dropped to the bench by the Sharks this season.
He has been used mainly at fullback for province and country, but now he is back at his favoured flyhalf berth for Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against Griquas in Kimberley (3pm kickoff).
Sharks coach Robert du Preez has moved his son, Robert Junior, to inside centre – an interesting development in terms of the bigger picture in South African rugby.
Du Preez replaces Marius Louw at No 12, which has proved to be a problematic position at the Springboks as neither Damian de Allende nor André Esterhuizen have quite established themselves as a first-choice.
Du Preez has a strong goal- and tactical kicking game, a long pass able to find speedsters on the outside, and obviously the size to man the inside-centre channel effectively.
Robert du Preez has all the skills to be a success at inside centre. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Bosch is a wonderful playmaker who possesses the X-factor, and has a knack of knocking over drop goals, so he will have a point to prove to his provincial coach, as well as trying to catch the eye of Bok boss Rassie Erasmus again ahead of the end-of-year tour.
Talking about Boks, Sbu Nkosi will get much-needed game time at wing, while there’s a welcome return to action for flank Jean-Luc du Preez from injury, although he will play off the bench.
Sharks Team
15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Sbu Nkosi 13 Jeremy Ward 12 Robert du Preez 11 Lwazi Mvovo 10 Curwin Bosch 9 Louis Schreuder (captain) 8 Daniel du Preez 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen 5 Hyron Andrews 4 Gideon Koegelenberg 3 Coenie Oosthuizen 2 Akker van der Merwe 1 Juan Schoeman.
Bench:16 Chiliboy Ralepelle 17 Thomas du Toit 18 JJ van der Mescht 19 Jean-Luc du Preez 20 Grant Williams 21 Marius Louw 22 Kobus van Wyk.
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