Veteran flyhalf Lionel Cronje says teammate Curwin Bosch needs to be backed to fulfil his potential after surrendering the No 10 jersey at the Sharks.

Cronje’s excellent form in the Currie Cup since arriving from Japanese club Toyota Verblitz has had Bosch shifting back to fullback, after it seemed that he had coach Sean Everitt’s backing to succeed at No 10 through 2020 and the early stages of this year.

It has not helped that Bosch has suffered a loss of form since his brilliant performances in the 2020 Currie Cup led to calls for him to be recalled to the Springbok squad.

Bosch scored 84 points – including 14 in the final against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld – in the 2020 Currie Cup as it appeared that he was finally making the flyhalf position his own.

Of course, this is not the first time that the 24-year-old has had to fight for his spot there, as he was previously relegated to fullback under former Sharks head coach Robert du Preez, who backed his son Rob (now at the Sale Sharks in England) instead.

Speaking to Sport24, Cronje – despite taking Bosch’s position at the Sharks – said that supporters need to keep their faith in the Gqeberha-raised player.

“I mentioned before he made his Springbok debut [against Argentina] in 2017 that Curwin is a very talented rugby player,” Cronje told the website.

“We just need to keep backing him and developing the areas he needs work on. He’s very well aware of those areas he needs to work on.

“He’s definitely talented, and he’s someone we should cherish. His kicking is phenomenal, if not the best in the country, and his attacking abilities are second to none.

“His communication skills are up there. There’s no reason he can’t become a household name at Springbok level.

“He’s got high ambitions and works hard on his game and his craft. I don’t see why he can’t make the step up to international level.”

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