Coetzee: Why Bosch is the man for the job
Coetzee said the young flyhalf's performance in the Currie Cup Final – where his porous defence was exposed – is not a concern for him.
It is obvious that Elton Jantjies (27, 20 Test caps) and Handré Pollard (23, 22 caps) are the coach's preferred flyhalves.
Bosch (20, one cap off the bench) is there to be 'nurtured' for the future.
While Bosch has been a liability on defence and missed too many one-on-one tackles – a fact readily admitted by Sharks coach Robert du Preez – Coetzee suggested most flyhalves are soft on defence.
Bosch's tackle completion rate in the Currie Cup Final was just 67 percent and an equally dismal 75 percent for the season.
Goal-kicking is another area that has been listed as a 'work-on' – to use coaches speak – for young Bosch. He ranked No.1 for both missed conversions and missed penalties this season. That is based on the 685 minutes he played in the Currie Cup competition.
Bosch does rank No.1 for successful drop-goals – he kicked one in the final and five for the season.
Despite his obvious shortcomings, Coetzee backed Bosch to mature and become a great No.10.
"No, no, it is really not a concern for me," the Bok coach said, when asked about Bosch's defensive frailties.
"Every player will have shortcomings and a lot of players missed tackles in the [Currie Cup] Final.
"I am not saying any player is bullet proof – there are work-ons [for Bosch] and we will make sure we work on [those] aspects of the game.
"It is not that I want to come up for Curwin, but show me a flyhalf that takes the skin off the opposition.
"He is a young guy, 20, give him time and he will develop and get the confidence. As a young, talented, player when he kicks the ball there is something special about him.
"Instead of just focusing on the weakness, I would like him to concentrate on his strengths and that will add value to the team."
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