It seemed like a rugby scoring bonanza at Loftus Versfeld where the Vodacom Bulls clinched a nail-biter, defeating the Ospreys 53-40. Despite the high score, coach Johan Ackermann voiced concerns over the team's performance in their opening match of the 2025-26 Vodacom URC season. From a precarious 26-12 deficit after 35 minutes, the Bulls managed a robust comeback to secure a five-point log victory, yet satisfaction was far from reached in the Bulls camp.
Ackermann didn’t mince words post-match, highlighting the team's blemishes.
“You could see we were far from perfect. There were a lot of mistakes, with and without the ball. Our set piece was decent, but otherwise it wasn’t a great performance,”
he lamented. Despite a rally of six second-half tries, the former lock was clear that the performance wouldn’t cut it against more formidable opponents.
The coach pointed out the silver lining with their scrums and lineouts showing promise. However, he was quick to add,
“Our scrums and lineouts were strong, but of course, we must use that ball better, we turned it over too easily at times.”
He also noted the potential in new squad combinations, emphasizing the need for synergy, especially with players like Sebastian de Klerk and Cheswill Jooste, whom he believes to be key in the Bulls' future successes.
Ackermann's realism shone through as he reflected on the challenges ahead, particularly with defending champions Leinster up next and a European tour on the horizon. “We must be better, because the opposition will get better as the season progresses. For now, it’s important that we enjoy the moment,” he concluded, expressing a blend of caution and optimism.
Despite the rollercoaster performance, Ackermann remains confident in his squad's depth, especially considering the absences due to injuries and national duties with the Springboks. The Bulls’ dramatic win might just be the spark needed for a season filled with promise, provided they iron out those 'small things' that their coach so candidly highlighted.
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It seemed like a rugby scoring bonanza at Loftus Versfeld where the Vodacom Bulls clinched a nail-biter, defeating the Ospreys 53-40. Despite the high score, coach Johan Ackermann voiced concerns over the team's performance in their opening match of the 2025-26 Vodacom URC season. From a precarious 26-12 deficit after 35 minutes, the Bulls managed a robust comeback to secure a five-point log victory, yet satisfaction was far from reached in the Bulls camp.
Ackermann didn’t mince words post-match, highlighting the team's blemishes.
“You could see we were far from perfect. There were a lot of mistakes, with and without the ball. Our set piece was decent, but otherwise it wasn’t a great performance,”
he lamented. Despite a rally of six second-half tries, the former lock was clear that the performance wouldn’t cut it against more formidable opponents.The coach pointed out the silver lining with their scrums and lineouts showing promise. However, he was quick to add,
“Our scrums and lineouts were strong, but of course, we must use that ball better, we turned it over too easily at times.”
He also noted the potential in new squad combinations, emphasizing the need for synergy, especially with players like Sebastian de Klerk and Cheswill Jooste, whom he believes to be key in the Bulls' future successes.Ackermann's realism shone through as he reflected on the challenges ahead, particularly with defending champions Leinster up next and a European tour on the horizon. “We must be better, because the opposition will get better as the season progresses. For now, it’s important that we enjoy the moment,” he concluded, expressing a blend of caution and optimism.
Despite the rollercoaster performance, Ackermann remains confident in his squad's depth, especially considering the absences due to injuries and national duties with the Springboks. The Bulls’ dramatic win might just be the spark needed for a season filled with promise, provided they iron out those 'small things' that their coach so candidly highlighted.