The bad showing of the Bulls underlined yet again problems in South African rugby. The Bulls have a reasonably talented squad but got thrashed by Leinster. I didn't like the ref but that is not why the Bulls lost.
The Bulls came up against a side that was FAR superior to them technically and creatively. I like Johan Ackermann as a guy and a fine rugby player but he is OLD School. The bulls had very little creativity.. Their direct running into their opposition compared to how Leinster used passes and engineered opening stood in stark contrast to the clueless Bulls attack. To be fair the bulls did have a few good attacking movements but did NOT look as dangerous as Leinster. The main attacking ploy was the high up and under. However the ball was seldom even retrieved!
Ackermann should have started with Steenekamp Wessels and Louw as the front front row, Wiese at lock and Van Staden at 6. A dominant scrum could well have led to a different half time score.
Than willie is done why persist with him? Question marks are arising about Pollard.
Ackermann would do well to spend many hours studying how Leinster play. He is miles behind,
All this again highlights the achievements of Rassie and his Boks. Who will replace Rassie is a huge issue. I don't rate the Bulls and Sharks coaching staff. Both these teams underperform. I think the Lions punch way above their weight and the Stormers have some sort of clue, I am talking here about their style of play, . The Bulls style of pay is obsolete and will not beat the best although can beat lessor teams because of their power pack etc,. .
Its amazing to me that Ackermann hasn.t cottoned on. He doesn't even have to invent anything just copy the best where he can.
It was dismaying to see such a wide gulf in skills and creativity, Leinster are a well oiled machine with everybody knowing exactly what to do.
What Bulls could make a Bok test day 23. Steenekamp, Louw Nortje and Arendse. Moody plays better in a well coached side so maybe him as well. Who else? Possibly Papier. How did Hanekom and Elrigh Louw.do? Bulls need an enforcer lock.