As the Vodacom Bulls prepare for their monumental last-16 clash in the Investec Champions Cup against Glasgow Warriors this Saturday, Coach Johan Ackermann has placed his bets on the bench's might to tip the scales. Despite the Warriors' formidable track record of 11 consecutive home victories, Ackermann reminds us that their last stumble at Scotstoun was indeed against the Bulls.
Ackermann, ever the forward-thinker, dismisses the past as irrelevant. "I’m not a big believer in looking at the past. That’s not how I like to do it as a coach, so we haven’t referred to that. We can only control what’s ahead of us – and that is Glasgow. That’s the challenge," he stated. With the stakes sky-high, continuity in selection was key for Ackermann, who believes in giving it their best with a solid team lineup.
In a strategic shuffle within the team, David Kriel will step in as fullback, taking over from Willie le Roux who will join a robust bench. This powerhouse reserve includes the likes of Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, and Jeandré Rudolph. Van Staden's versatility is particularly notable, covering both flank and hooker roles. "He’s been good, we can’t fault him," Ackermann praised.
"It’s a big opportunity for him, especially with the Springboks looking at him in multiple positions."
On the subject of Stedman Gans, Ackermann highlighted his flexibility, "The luxury of having Stedman on the bench is he’s proven himself at 12 and 13, so that gives us an opportunity to bring him on in one of those positions and make a difference off the bench." This strategic depth could prove vital against a Glasgow team that is not only settled but brimming with confidence under coach Franco Smith.
Glasgow, buoyed by a strong Scottish contingent fresh from a commendable Six Nations performance, poses a formidable challenge. Ackermann acknowledges their prowess but sees it as a golden chance for the Bulls.
"They’re one of the best teams in the competition, in the URC and in Europe. They’ve got a lot of internationals, Scotland had a good Six Nations, and they play an exciting brand of rugby,"
he noted, setting the stage for a clash that's as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess.
Team List: David Kriel, Willie le Roux, Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Jeandré Rudolph.
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As the Vodacom Bulls prepare for their monumental last-16 clash in the Investec Champions Cup against Glasgow Warriors this Saturday, Coach Johan Ackermann has placed his bets on the bench's might to tip the scales. Despite the Warriors' formidable track record of 11 consecutive home victories, Ackermann reminds us that their last stumble at Scotstoun was indeed against the Bulls.
Ackermann, ever the forward-thinker, dismisses the past as irrelevant. "I’m not a big believer in looking at the past. That’s not how I like to do it as a coach, so we haven’t referred to that. We can only control what’s ahead of us – and that is Glasgow. That’s the challenge," he stated. With the stakes sky-high, continuity in selection was key for Ackermann, who believes in giving it their best with a solid team lineup.
In a strategic shuffle within the team, David Kriel will step in as fullback, taking over from Willie le Roux who will join a robust bench. This powerhouse reserve includes the likes of Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, and Jeandré Rudolph. Van Staden's versatility is particularly notable, covering both flank and hooker roles. "He’s been good, we can’t fault him," Ackermann praised.
"It’s a big opportunity for him, especially with the Springboks looking at him in multiple positions."
On the subject of Stedman Gans, Ackermann highlighted his flexibility, "The luxury of having Stedman on the bench is he’s proven himself at 12 and 13, so that gives us an opportunity to bring him on in one of those positions and make a difference off the bench." This strategic depth could prove vital against a Glasgow team that is not only settled but brimming with confidence under coach Franco Smith.
Glasgow, buoyed by a strong Scottish contingent fresh from a commendable Six Nations performance, poses a formidable challenge. Ackermann acknowledges their prowess but sees it as a golden chance for the Bulls.
"They’re one of the best teams in the competition, in the URC and in Europe. They’ve got a lot of internationals, Scotland had a good Six Nations, and they play an exciting brand of rugby,"
he noted, setting the stage for a clash that's as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess.Team List: David Kriel, Willie le Roux, Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Jeandré Rudolph.