Curwin Bosch made an immediate impression on Johan Ackermann as the flyhalf helped the Bulls launch their URC campaign with a 47-13 demolition of Zebre in Parma on Saturday.
Bosch, making his first appearance for the Bulls since recovering from a calf injury suffered against the All Blacks last month, produced a composed display for the Pretoria-based side.
Ackermann was particularly impressed by his game management and accuracy from the tee.
“I’m very pleased with Curwin’s first [URC] game for the Bulls,” Ackermann said.
“For me, he controlled the game well, kicked very well out of hand, slotted all his goal kicks,” he said. “He hadn’t played for a couple of weeks because of injury, but first game out, under pressure – it’s a good base to work from and hopefully it just goes better as the season progresses.”
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The Bulls did not have everything their own way in the opening stages, with handling errors and inaccuracies allowing Zebre to apply pressure.
Ackermann admitted his side will need to sharpen up before next weekend’s clash against Munster in Limerick.
“The biggest thing that we take out is that we got away with the win, because last year, Zebre won their first two games at home,” he said.
“We were nervous because we hadn’t played a lot of warm-up games. There was only 40 minutes of game time in each player who played tonight, so we were nervous that we wouldn’t be as good as we wanted to be.
“It showed in the first few minutes when we made some sloppy errors and that is what we need to correct because Munster will bring a different challenge.”
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Ackermann identified some other areas where they would need to sharpen up.
“We must be accurate in those entries and exits in the 22; if we’re not they will punish you. We weren’t accurate in our passing game, so that’s another fix, and then at the breakdown they made a fair bit of turnovers.
“But ultimately, after round one with not a lot of rugby under the belt, very pleased to get away with the win.”
The Bulls did pick up some injury concerns.
“There are a few knocks and bruises that need to be checked out. Hopefully it’s nothing serious,” Ackermann said.
“The only concern is [prop] Mornay Smith. He twisted his ankle and we’re a little bit nervous about the outcome of that and the extent of that injury. In the next day or so our medical staff will see what the extent is.”
Photo: @urcofficial_rsa/Instagram
The post Ackers hails Bosch debut appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Curwin Bosch made an immediate impression on Johan Ackermann as the flyhalf helped the Bulls launch their URC campaign with a 47-13 demolition of Zebre in Parma on Saturday.
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