Maybe it’s okay to lay off on Curwin’s defence … for now

Curwin Bosch, apparently, has a problem.

He can’t tackle all that effectively.

Now, it’s undeniable that the gifted 20-year-old pivot of the Sharks missed two vital tackles in last weekend’s Currie Cup final.

And you also can’t deny that a tackle completion rate of 75% is worryingly low for a competition like the Currie Cup, where you’re not competing against players of the same attacking calibre as in Super Rugby.

But it’s only fair to have some perspective on the matter.

This week, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee was asked about Bosch’s defence ahead of the national team’s departure for Europe.

“It’s really not a concern for me,” he said.

“Every player will have shortcomings and a lot of players actually missed tackles in that final. No player has a bulletproof game, there are things to work on. I’m not trying to defend Curwin too much but show me a flyhalf that tackles the skin off the bone. Give him time, he’ll develop and gain confidence.”

The problem with playing flyhalf is that it’s a very visible and (perhaps unnecessarily) decorated position.

If you wear the No 10 jersey, you’re invariably the guy that represents everything about the team.

So, if you make mistakes, supporters will notice you first.

In many ways it’s justified and also comes with the territory.

A flyhalf also plays in a very busy channel, which naturally means it is important to tackle effectively.

However, to a large extent, Coetzee is actually right.

Since 1992, the Springboks have arguably only had two flyhalves who were truly tough defenders: Henry Honiball and Butch James.

Others learnt to compensate and a few never defended well.

Say what you want but it’s rather rare to find an international flyhalf nowadays that’s a monster defender.

Just look at statistics in this season’s Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks’ Beauden Barrett was the only No 10 to have a tackle completion rate of over 85%.

At 1.87m and 92kg, he’s also by far the biggest flyhalf in the tournament.

Elton Jantjies and Wallaby counterpart Bernard Foley both had completion rates of 85%, which is hardly bad for players perceived to be iffy defenders.

Argentina’s Nicolas Sanchez – still regarded by many as one of the better 10s in world rugby – only completed 81% of his tackles.

Barrett’s deputy, Lima Sopoaga, only had a ratio of 65%!

The point here is that flyhalves certainly can strive to defend better – especially in one-on-one situations – but it’s not their job to be a primary defender.

They have other things to worry about too.

So maybe it’s okay to lay off Curwin for now…

Heinz Schenk: Online Sports Editor.

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