VIDEO: Bosch's defence is a 'coach killer'
He may be slotting over the long-range drop-goals and kicking penalties, but the Sharks flyhalf, Bosch, needs to work on his one-on-one tackling.
Sharks coach Robert Du Preez confirmed defence is an area of concern for the young No.10.
It is not the first time a coach has suggested it may be too early to rush him into the Springbok team.
The Blue Bulls' New Zealand coach John Mitchell earlier this season said Bosch requires time to develop in domestic rugby, before being rushed onto the international stage.
Now his Sharks mentor, Du Preez, also suggested the flyhalf needs to work on certain aspects of his game.
Du Preez's remarks follow after the Sharks suffered a 21-33 defeat to the Western Province in the Currie Cup Final in Durban at the weekend.
Province was dominant in the forward exchanges, as the Sharks scrum buckled under the pressure of the front row trio that included Springbok prop Wilco Louw, hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi and prop Jacobus Janse van Rensburg.
Aside from the troubling scrum, the Sharks suffered an injury setback, when Springbok flank Jean-Luc du Preez was forced to leave the field in the 28th minute.
Nonetheless, the Sharks excelled in other areas and took a 21-15 lead at the half-time break – which included a 43-metre drop-goal by Bosch.
The 20-year-old contributed 11 points with his trusty boot. However, his defence – in the second half in particular – was easily exploited by Province.
"We've worked really hard with Curwin [Bosch] on his one-on-one defence," the Sharks coach said, adding: "It's definitely an area of his game that he's going to have to work hard on going forward, especially playing international rugby.
"You’ve got to make your one-on-one tackles. If you don't, then they get momentum on that half-hearted defence. It's definitely very costly,"
There was a lot of attention placed on the flyhalf battle between Bosch and Robert Du Preez Jnr ahead of the Currie Cup Final.
However, the Durban-bound WP flyhalf's overall performance proved to be superior – but failed to make the Bok cut when the team for the year-end tour was announced on Sunday.
Even his father Du Preez Snr admired his son's game management and stated that it was the difference between the two sides.
"Rob [Robert du Preez Jnr] played really well, especially in the second half – when he controlled the game like a general.
"We are very pleased that he is coming to the Sharks, he will definitely bolster our stock at flyhalf.
"Having said that, we do have some exciting young flyhalves, but he will be a big asset,"
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