Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is set to revisit some old turf with a new twist this Saturday in the Jukskei derby at Ellis Park. The Vodacom URC matchup isn’t just another game; it’s a chance for Ackermann's Bulls to strike back after a stinging 43-33 loss to the Lions at Loftus Versfeld last November. But beyond the rivalry and the scores, for Ackermann, it’s a poignant stroll down memory lane.
Ackermann, who parted ways with the Lions in 2017 after a significant stint, only to venture into coaching roles in England and Japan, finds himself back in the South African rugby scene under quite dramatic circumstances, following Jake White’s exit from the Bulls. His return to Ellis Park, this time helming the opposition, is drenched in a cocktail of history and sentiment. "You know, in our rugby history these two unions split from each other and it’s always been a case of who the bigger brother is," Ackermann shared in a URC media statement.
"Then you had players from the Bulls going over to the Lions in those days like Uli Schmidt, Jannie Breedt, Hannes Strydom, and myself."
His ties to both teams run deep, not just through past affiliations but also through the exchange of talent he orchestrated during his coaching days. "Then when I coached there I brought a bunch of Bulls players like Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Franco Mostert, and others from the Bulls. They always had a point to prove against their old team, and I think that’s why the derby grew like it has. We’re basically neighbors. Many of the Lions players live in Pretoria. So that’s what makes this fixture so special,” he added.
This weekend marks Ackermann’s first return to Ellis Park as a rival coach. "As a player you play for the Bulls and then later for the Lions and that was an experience as you suddenly move to the other camp. Then as a coach at the Lions it was always a big challenge to coach against the Bulls at Ellis Park or at Loftus Versfeld. And now, after a long time out of South Africa, I’m back and coaching the Bulls," he admitted, reflecting on the surreal nature of his career’s full circle.
The reunion is not just about Ackermann. Familiar faces abound with Julian Redelinghuys, now a coach himself, and Ivan van Rooyen, who was once under Ackermann as head of strength and conditioning and is now the head coach. "Their manager is still the same, their kit man is still the same, the doctor is the same. So there are a few people who brought back some good memories," Ackermann noted, hinting at the mix of nostalgia and competitive fire he’ll bring to Saturday’s showdown.
"Obviously the result wasn’t what I wanted in my first derby against my old team."
This visit to Ellis Park, however, offers Ackermann a shot at redemption, not just for the earlier season loss but also to perhaps tip the familial scales of this deep-rooted rugby rivalry.
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Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is set to revisit some old turf with a new twist this Saturday in the Jukskei derby at Ellis Park. The Vodacom URC matchup isn’t just another game; it’s a chance for Ackermann's Bulls to strike back after a stinging 43-33 loss to the Lions at Loftus Versfeld last November. But beyond the rivalry and the scores, for Ackermann, it’s a poignant stroll down memory lane.
Ackermann, who parted ways with the Lions in 2017 after a significant stint, only to venture into coaching roles in England and Japan, finds himself back in the South African rugby scene under quite dramatic circumstances, following Jake White’s exit from the Bulls. His return to Ellis Park, this time helming the opposition, is drenched in a cocktail of history and sentiment. "You know, in our rugby history these two unions split from each other and it’s always been a case of who the bigger brother is," Ackermann shared in a URC media statement.
"Then you had players from the Bulls going over to the Lions in those days like Uli Schmidt, Jannie Breedt, Hannes Strydom, and myself."
His ties to both teams run deep, not just through past affiliations but also through the exchange of talent he orchestrated during his coaching days. "Then when I coached there I brought a bunch of Bulls players like Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Franco Mostert, and others from the Bulls. They always had a point to prove against their old team, and I think that’s why the derby grew like it has. We’re basically neighbors. Many of the Lions players live in Pretoria. So that’s what makes this fixture so special,” he added.
This weekend marks Ackermann’s first return to Ellis Park as a rival coach. "As a player you play for the Bulls and then later for the Lions and that was an experience as you suddenly move to the other camp. Then as a coach at the Lions it was always a big challenge to coach against the Bulls at Ellis Park or at Loftus Versfeld. And now, after a long time out of South Africa, I’m back and coaching the Bulls," he admitted, reflecting on the surreal nature of his career’s full circle.
The reunion is not just about Ackermann. Familiar faces abound with Julian Redelinghuys, now a coach himself, and Ivan van Rooyen, who was once under Ackermann as head of strength and conditioning and is now the head coach. "Their manager is still the same, their kit man is still the same, the doctor is the same. So there are a few people who brought back some good memories," Ackermann noted, hinting at the mix of nostalgia and competitive fire he’ll bring to Saturday’s showdown.
"Obviously the result wasn’t what I wanted in my first derby against my old team."
This visit to Ellis Park, however, offers Ackermann a shot at redemption, not just for the earlier season loss but also to perhaps tip the familial scales of this deep-rooted rugby rivalry.