Sharks boss pleased with perfect Curwin

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Coach Sean Everitt has singled out flyhalf Curwin Bosch for praise after the Sharks’ bonus-point win over the Dragons had the Durbanites rebounding to winning ways in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

The Sharks thumped the Welsh outfit 51-3 at Kings Park on Friday, after leading 23-3 at half time, scoring four tries from open play to go with two penalty scores.

It was a welcome return to winning ways for the Sharks, who at least temporarily replaced the Stormers as South Africa’s flagbearers in the URC in sixth position.

Under-fire Bosch answered his critics with a flawless display from the kicking tee.

“This poor guy doesn’t get compliments – he just gets ridiculed every week,” Everitt said of Bosch post-match. “Last week, he managed the game well and his field kicking was outstanding. I’m just happy he had his kicking boots on [against Dragons].

“It’s important for us to stay humble, but I’m happy for our scoreline because it brings confidence. We tightened things up and gave them nothing, and converted our points in the goal zone. We were clinical in the areas of the field we were short on last week. When space opened up on the fringes, we knew we could take advantage.

“It’s now about us building momentum; the log is very important at the moment, and there’s the South African Shield, so this win is a massive platform for us to build on.”

Highlights: Sharks score six tries to get back on track

Wing Werner Kok scored possibly the try of the season for the Sharks, while Springboks Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche were immense going forward.

The young back row of James Venter, Jeandre Labuschagne and Phepsi Buthelezi, too, performed admirably, vindicating Everitt’s decision to bench Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe.

“Werner has played a string of games now and he has a high work rate – the amount of metres that he covers is quite bizarre! He justly got Man of the Match,” he said. “Bongi bounced back, he was strong in the carries and lineouts, and he defended very well. 

“The guys who came in – James, Lappies, Phepsi – did well, and it was good that Siya got a break. I knew the guys would step up. I’m proud of all the guys.”

In injury news, stand-in skipper Thomas du Toit will be assessed over the weekend for a knock to the lower leg.

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Devin Hermanus