1
Stormers to raid Super Rugby rivals for talented playmaker - reports
By Alex Shaw
It's been a tough but potentially promising season so far for the Stormers, who sit fourth in South African conference, ahead only of the Jaguares.
They started the season with a humbling 40-3 defeat at the hands of the Bulls, before showing signs of life, going on a three-match win streak against the Lions, Sharks and Jaguares. From there they embarked on a tour of New Zealand, pushing both the Hurricanes and Blues close, despite the Blues padding out the score line later in that game.
Robbie Fleck's side already boast promising fly-half/full-back Damian Willemse, but with the franchise tending to opt for him in the 15 jersey so far this season, they could be in the market for another versatile playmaker if reports from South Africa are to be believed.
According to Rapport, the Cape Town-based team are in talks with Sharks prospect Curwin Bosch.
Bosch, 21, has already accrued plenty of Super Rugby experience with the Sharks, as well as making two appearances for the Springboks. He was a graduate of the South African U20 side in 2017 and was one of the players nominated for the World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2016.
After bursting onto the Super Rugby scene a couple of years ago, Bosch has struggled to maintain that early momentum and currently doesn't have a spot in the Sharks XV locked down, something which could pave the way to a move to the Stormers and a reunion with former U20 teammate Willemse.
With Willemse being predominately used at full-back, the Stormers' current starting fly-half is Jean-Luc du Plessis, a position battle that would test and potentially bring the best out of both du Plessis and Bosch.
Should he opt to make the move west, the Sharks will be left with a dilemma of their own at fly-half, with his teammate Robert du Preez confirmed as leaving at the end of the season, with the 25-year-old joining up with Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership.
Watch: Sharks coach Robert du Preez talks to the press after the loss to the Bulls
Trending on RugbyPass
2
South Africa vs England player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
3
All Blacks player ratings vs France
4
Netherlands serve up Tier 2 shock as another World Cup side slayed
5
Latest Comments
Time to take the tinfoil hat off son.
Go to commentsNo, ended his tour with the birth of his child. Plummer came in as cover for him, but injured his leg. AJ Lam is now covering centre.
He definitely will play if fit. Robertson has made it clear he wants Cane back for his final test. I guess it's safe to assume Roigard and Perenara will be the Halfbacks in that case.
There's still room for Kirifi in there, with Finau injured. Right now, we only have Savea, Cane, Lakai, Sititi, Kirifi, and Leo-Willie on hand. I'd be surprised if they don't rest Savea, Sititi, or both.
Darry injured his leg, and it's expected to take six weeks to recover. So the tour ended for him, and Holland got called in for cover. So it's likely him and Lord will be the two young locks picked for the Italy test.
Go to comments