Sharks star Curwin Bosch says having the backing to play consistently at flyhalf has been key to him in regaining his confidence, 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.

Zoom chat: Bosch loving his rugby again

Along with the Sharks team as a whole, Bosch produced a string of impressive performances over the first seven rounds of Vodacom Super Rugby action before the competition was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Playing solely at flyhalf, it was clear to see that the 22-year-old was thriving with additional clarity in his role, with new Sharks coach Sean Everitt having confirmed way back in November that he wanted to see Bosch specialise at 10.

‘I think that played a major role in me regaining my confidence,’ Bosch confirmed. ‘In a position like 10, I believe you need to play there consistently to become better at it. I was having a conversation with Eddie Jones when we were at the Barbarians [towards the end of last year], and it was interesting to hear him say that Dan Carter only really become a great 10 at the age of about 28.

‘That really sunk in with me and it proves that in a specialist position, you need to play there lots to become really world class. It will take many years, lots of mistakes, and lots of patience … I think I’ve started to regain my confidence again, though, and become more like myself again.’

With the Sharks also playing with a lot more freedom and ambition, Bosch credits the work that had been put in by the coaches.

‘It was a matter of resetting everything [at the beginning of the year], but we still had a lot of familiar faces around, which made things a lot easier in that sense … the way Sean approaches things and the way he’s given us freedom to express ourselves have been really commendable.

‘I think a lot of credit also has to go to [assistant coach] Dave [Williams], who runs our attack and has instilled real confidence in us.’

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