Bosch boots Sharks to big win in Bordeaux

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Flyhalf Curwin Bosch kicked 14 points as the Sharks came from behind to claim an impressive Champions Cup win away to Bordeaux on Friday night.

Following a first half where their Springbok-infused pack was muted, the Sharks relied on Bosch’s unerring boot to for a 19-16 win in front of a noisy Stade Chaban-Delmas.

A try from Werner Kok, who was yellow-carded in the first half for a dangerous clean-out, got the Sharks off to a flying start in the second half before Bosch added a conversion and a penalty to give his side enough of a buffer to see the game out.

While a second win in a row, especially away from home, gave the Sharks a massive boost, a second defeat in a row for Bordeaux damaged their playoff qualification hopes. The hosts were 13-9 up at the break and dominating the collisions as the Sharks missing 14 tackles.

It was Bosch’s kicking that kept the tourists in the game, the flyhalf providing a timely reminder of his ability by calmly kicking a drop goal and two penalties – one of those from long range.

The game also marked the return from injury of Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am. Am was brought onto the park towards the end of the first half after Francois Venter was forced off with what looked like a serious knee injury. The star midfielder looked understandably rusty at times, but found his feet as the game went on, putting Kok over for the Sharks’ only try of the match and making some crucial defensive reads in the second half.

The Sharks will next be in action in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby against the Lions in Durban on Friday.

Photo: Dave Winter/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix  

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Dylan Jack