CAPE TOWN – They are two of the most enterprising fullbacks in South Africa. Both have had a taste of Test rugby – although in both instances, all too brief.
But now Dillyn Leyds and Curwin Bosch will come face-to-face in the Currie Cup final between Western Province and the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday (4pm kickoff), and they both have the ability to be match-winners for their team.
The 26-year-old Leyds was genuine in his praise of his rival at both domestic and national level when asked by IOL Sport about one of the most exciting duels in Saturday’s title decider.
“I think Curwin’s obviously a very good rugby player. He has shown his potential, whether he is playing at 10 or at 15. Everybody knows he has a fantastic kicking boot and has a strong running game,” Leyds said this week at WP’s training base in Bellville.
“I wouldn’t necessarily count it as a one-on-one battle, as there are a lot of other guys who I have to worry about in that Sharks team as well.
“He’s got an inside chance of going on the end-of-year tour, and I really hope he does because he is a very special player, and has shown it throughout this Currie Cup again.
“The way he just joins the line from the back on attack is really something quite amazing to see. So, he has helped their attack a lot, and a lot of their play revolves around him.”
Curwin Bosch has almost-surprising pace when he joins the Sharks backline on attack. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Of course, Leyds himself is a classy footballer in the real sense of the word – able to create something out of nothing when he carries the ball in two hands and tries to flummox defenders with his sleight of hand or side-stepping prowess, while he has a clever passing and kicking game as well.
The 21-year-old Bosch is more of a classic fullback who slides into the line with his almost-surprising pace, while he has a monster boot that can get the Sharks out of trouble and bang over vital goal-kicks.
Western Province star Dillyn Leyds speaks about taking on Curwin Bosch in the Currie Cup final. Video: Ashfak Mohamed
A hot 33 degrees has been forecast for Cape Town on Saturday, so Leyds will get his wish for a dry Newlands in which he and Bosch will be set free to work their magic.
“Hopefully we will have a beautiful day in Cape Town to just show some attacking rugby, and give the Newlands faithful a good showing. Both teams enjoy throwing the ball around, so it will be a good final.”
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