WP's plan for Bosch
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Curwin Bosch will not be the main target when Western Province and the Sharks go head-to-head at Newlands Stadium on Saturday.
Bosch has been a class act during the domestic season and is expected to deliver yet another impressive performance in Saturday’s Currie Cup semifinal.
The 23-year-old’s kicking game has reached new heights under the guidance of Sharks kicking consultant Patrick Lambie – boasting ten successful kicks form ten penalty attempts (including several long-distance kicks).
When asked about Bosch being the difference between a win or defeat WP assistant coach Dawie Snyman admitted the former Junior Bok will be a factor.
However, he conceded that the Capetonians have a plan to curb his ‘phenomenal goal-kicking prowess’.
“He [Bosch] is a phenomenal goal-kicker, so if we make a mistake or we are ill-disciplined he is going to punish us,” Snyman told reporters during the virtual press conference on Tuesday.
“However, to make sure he [Bosch] is not effective we have to play well in other areas, therefore he won’t be our main focus.”
He added: “We won’t target him nor hope he has an off day because we know he will be in fine form.
“He has proven during this Currie Cup he is a good player, especially under pressure,”
In terms of the other battles, the scrums will be a highly contested area given WP’s powerful forwards which includes the likes of Steven Kitshoff.
“I’m sure they will spend a lot of time working on their pack – making sure they can match us and put us under pressure,” Snyman said.
“However, there are different ways to play the game and we are prepared for quite an even battle,
“It’s the semifinals and the guys are up for it. A final is at stakes and there are one or two Springbok positions at stake”
WP have a clean bill of health, while Siya Kolisi is up for selection after his self-isolation period due to Covid-19 protocols.
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