Curwin Bosch has opened up on how a change in mind-set and approach has allowed him to play without the burden of self-imposed pressure, writes CRAIG LEWIS.
In an exclusive Zoom chat with SA Rugby magazine on Wednesday, Bosch reflected on a memorable start to the Sharks’ season, and discussed the importance of settling at flyhalf and realigning his national ambitions.
WATCH: Bosch loving his rugby again
During the wide-ranging chat, the talented youngster chatted about his goals for the year and whether those had been altered due to the enforced lockdown on the game as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Yet, Bosch said he wouldn’t sway too far from a new approach that he adopted coming into 2020.
‘I approached this year a little bit differently. Previously I put a lot of pressure on myself to play for the Springboks and to get into the set up, and I’d have sleepless nights if I wasn’t there. It was really affecting me in my daily life and everything around me.
‘So I decided to approach this year a little differently, and just say “I’m just going to go out and do my best for the Sharks. Play the best I can and try make everyone around me look as good as I can and take it from there”.’
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Bosch made his debut for the Springboks in 2017, but then fell out of the Bok picture, with his only other Test appearance coming in the one-off Test against Wales in Washington in 2018.
The 22-year-old said his ultimate dream was certainly still to earn a national call-up again, but emphasised he had realigned his goals to prioritise making an impact at the Sharks.
‘It’s still my dream to play for the Springboks, and remains part of my plans, but first and foremost I want to do well and perform for the Sharks. As soon as a team is doing well, more of those players get chosen for the Springboks.
‘My approach was a little bit different [coming into this year], and it’s taken a lot of pressure off and it’s worked for me. I think I’ve achieved that goal so far, I’ve played really well for the Sharks when we were playing, and I’ve really been enjoying my rugby, and when that happens, I think you play your best.’
