Curwin Bosch and Sikhumbuzo Notshe both turned in solid performances as the Sharks claimed a bonus-point Currie Cup win over Western Province in Durban on Wednesday.

The Test-capped duo made their first start of the year for the Sharks after an extended period out of the team, with Notshe returning from a long-term injury.

Bosch converted six of his eight attempts at goal, including a long-range penalty, and kicked very well out of hand,  ripping off a 50/22 in the buildup to the Sharks’ third try.

It will be big morale booster for the 24-year-old who has seen Boeta Chamberlain start at flyhalf in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Notshe, meanwhile, carried very strongly when asked to and got through a mountain of work without the ball. He memorably got the Sharks into Province’s 22-metre area in the buildup to their fourth try, finished off in the corner by Marnus Potgieter.

It was also a memorable evening for Inny Radebe, who scored the opening try in his first start since returning to professional rugby after a period away from the game.

The first half was a scrappy affair as both teams showed plenty of ambition with ball in hand but struggled to control possession in hot and humid conditions at Kings Park.

The two teams went into the break deadlocked at 13-13, but Province lost flyhalf and captain Tim Swiel to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle just before half time.

That would prove to be decisive as the Sharks took control of the match during the period that Swiel was off the field. First, young flank Mpilo Gumede powered over, before Fez Mbatha scored after using the momentum of a driving maul to dot down.

Western Province welcomed Kade Wolhuter back from a nine-month lay-off due to a knee injury and the youngster made an immediate impact off the bench in the second half, scoring their second try.

Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images