In the wake of a crushing 28-7 loss to Ulster in Belfast, Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has faced down the storm of criticism, not least from Bulls president Willem Strauss, who lambasted the performance as a low point since the team's entry into the United Rugby Championship (URC). Strauss's fiery comments came through loud and clear in a broadcast group message, labeling the effort "terrible" and the team "not interested and disconnected," with a worrying tally of 14 tries conceded over just three games.
Ackermann, in response, wasn't about to let the ship sink into despair. Acknowledging the heat from the top, he called for unity and focus within the ranks. "Obviously there are going to be a lot of people with comments, and that’s fine," he remarked. But for the Bulls, it's more than just about weathering the storm.
"Families go through tough times. Show me one family that’s perfect, that doesn’t fight or go through difficult moments. It’s the same with a team,"
Ackermann stressed, emphasizing the familial bond within the team.
He further highlighted the only way forward from such a setback: accountability and resilience. "We’re in a relationship – players, staff, everyone – and we’re in this together. There’s no hiding and no easy way out. All we can do is look at ourselves, fix what needs to be fixed, and take accountability," he explained. The coach also rallied the spirit of resilience typical to South Africans, stating,
"We can either sit and sulk or we can stand up. As South Africans, we’ve shown many times that we can stand up when it matters."
The Bulls, who had a promising start to their season with victories over the Ospreys and Leinster at Loftus, are now gearing up to face Connacht in Galway on Friday night. This match marks the second fixture in their three-game tour, providing a crucial opportunity for the team to bounce back and perhaps, for Ackermann to silence the critics with a return to form.
Meanwhile, Ackermann has also pleaded for patience with star player Handré Pollard, signaling that adjustments and improvements are part of the journey, not just quick fixes. The Bulls' saga continues, as they seek to turn the page on a rough chapter in their storied rugby history.
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In the wake of a crushing 28-7 loss to Ulster in Belfast, Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has faced down the storm of criticism, not least from Bulls president Willem Strauss, who lambasted the performance as a low point since the team's entry into the United Rugby Championship (URC). Strauss's fiery comments came through loud and clear in a broadcast group message, labeling the effort "terrible" and the team "not interested and disconnected," with a worrying tally of 14 tries conceded over just three games.
Ackermann, in response, wasn't about to let the ship sink into despair. Acknowledging the heat from the top, he called for unity and focus within the ranks. "Obviously there are going to be a lot of people with comments, and that’s fine," he remarked. But for the Bulls, it's more than just about weathering the storm.
"Families go through tough times. Show me one family that’s perfect, that doesn’t fight or go through difficult moments. It’s the same with a team,"
Ackermann stressed, emphasizing the familial bond within the team.He further highlighted the only way forward from such a setback: accountability and resilience. "We’re in a relationship – players, staff, everyone – and we’re in this together. There’s no hiding and no easy way out. All we can do is look at ourselves, fix what needs to be fixed, and take accountability," he explained. The coach also rallied the spirit of resilience typical to South Africans, stating,
"We can either sit and sulk or we can stand up. As South Africans, we’ve shown many times that we can stand up when it matters."
The Bulls, who had a promising start to their season with victories over the Ospreys and Leinster at Loftus, are now gearing up to face Connacht in Galway on Friday night. This match marks the second fixture in their three-game tour, providing a crucial opportunity for the team to bounce back and perhaps, for Ackermann to silence the critics with a return to form.
Meanwhile, Ackermann has also pleaded for patience with star player Handré Pollard, signaling that adjustments and improvements are part of the journey, not just quick fixes. The Bulls' saga continues, as they seek to turn the page on a rough chapter in their storied rugby history.