DURBAN - Curwin Bosch is not overly perturbed at being omitted from the current Springbok squad as he has a long-term, much bigger picture in mind for himself as an international rugby player.
Bosch made his debut for the Boks off the bench against Argentina in August but has played Currie Cup rugby since and has been in sensational form, constantly reminding the national selectors that they have a good thing waiting in the wings.
“When I came to Sharks I had goals in mind,” the softly-spoken 20-year-old says.
“I expect things of myself, so having achieved what I have so far is minimal compared to what I want to achieve in my career. This year has been about stepping stones to becoming a better player so that I can achieve my goals.”
At the beginning of the year Bosch in fact said: “My dream is not to just make the Boks but to play 100 Tests for SA. I want to make a serious mark and grow over my career into a Jean de Villiers or a Bryan Habana. Those guys have left a legacy. I want to be like that. That’s my aspiration.”
It is an aspiration born in Alexandria near Port Elizabeth, where he grew up with his grandparents. Later, as his rugby talent became evident, he was spotted by Grey High and he boarded at the historic school.
“Outside my hostel was the rugby field, so any spare time I had I spent practising my kicking. I am a perfectionist and would not leave the field until I was satisfied,” he recalls.
“It became a bit of an obsession and I ended up giving myself knee strains and had to give it a break.”
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It also made him an immaculate kicker, both out of hand and at posts, not to mention an ability to drop goals from just about anywhere and whatever the conditions - his drop goal last week against the Blue Bulls in driving rain was brilliant.
At the start of this season, Bosch was uncertain whether to make No 10 or 15 his preferred position. He now has the answer.
“It is still early days for me but I am feeling increasingly comfortable in the No 10 jersey. I think the decision is naturally being made for me as the season unfolds.”
Bosch says his experience at the Bok training camp during Super Rugby was an eye-opener and he returned to Durban with a better understanding of what it takes to play with the best, as well as having clear instructions from the Bok coaching staff as to their plan for him.
“The coaches told me I had to work on my defence and game management but that they are happy with where I am at the moment,” he says.
“My cover tackling has not been a problem but when you are in the flyhalf position and have 110kg forwards running at you, you have to make a different type of tackle.”
He currently spearheads a Sharks Currie Cup juggernaut that has won nine games in a row.
“The Sharks have not been in a final for a few years and it would mean a lot to the union, this young group of players, and for SA rugby in general because this is a talented squad that can go on to be something special.”