Sharks Super Rugby head coach Robert du Preez has named Curwin Bosch at fullback against the Sunwolves in this weekend’s match at Kings Park.
This Saturday’s match against the Sunwolves is the Sharks final match before they head off on a four match overseas tour.
Head coach Robert du Preez has made a few changes to his side for this week’s showdown with the Japanese side although the team still has a settled look about it.
Bosch gets a start at fullback with Lwazi Mvovo shifting to the bench after two starts. In a campaign as long as the Super Rugby competition, keeping players fresh and managing injuries is crucial to be able to field strong combinations week after week.
“While we can’t change what’s in the past, our attitude going forward is very important,” Mvovo of the mood in the camp on the Sharks site.
“The guys are excited and they realise that they didn’t play well last weekend, we just need to rectify the mistakes and move on. The main topic of talk this week has been about patience. When we create opportunities, we need to be patient and trust our ball skills and the game plan. It seemed that every time we got in the strike zone, we were very eager to score and that’s where we’re making a lot of mistakes. But we’ve identified that and we’re working on the patience.”
He admits that the players have looked deep within and acknowledge that they must put their hands up. “Sometimes it’s down to the bounce of the ball, but ultimately we need to also take responsibility. If we show patience and keep working hard, the results will come.”
In this competition there is always pressure and there are no easy games, but the players do put pressure on themselves to perform. “With this being the last game before touring, playing in front of our fans, it’s important that we show what we can do,” he adds.
Looking ahead to Saturday and the opposition, he explains that there is no underestimating the Sunwolves.
“They play a pretty expansive game and last year we had to dig in and play right to the end when we scored a few points in the last 15 minutes. They’re a very good side, especially with the New Zealand influence in their coaching team.
“They’re going to play and we’re not underestimating their ability.”
Sharks
15. Curwin Bosch, 14. Sbu Nkosi, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Robert du Preez, 9. Louis Schreuder, 8. Tera Mtembu, 7. Jacques Vermeulen, 6. Wian Vosloo, 5. Stephan Lewies, 4. Ruan Botha (c), 3. John-Hubert Meyer, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 1. Tendai Mtawarira, ,
Replacements, 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Ross Geldenhuys, 19. Gideon Koegelenberg, 20. Keegan Daniel, 21. Cameron Wright, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Lwazi Mvovo
