It looks like the Vodacom Bulls are heading into their URC opener against the Ospreys with a bit of a limp, and not just because of the usual post-final hangover. Coach Johan Ackermann has candidly pointed out that the squad gearing up at Loftus Versfeld is not the same beast that took on Leinster in last season's finals. With a laundry list of unavailable Springboks and injured key players, Ackermann's lineup is more of a 'who’s left' than a 'who’s who.'
“I think there may be a perception that the team that played in the URC final will also play against the Ospreys, but that is not going to be the case at all,” Ackermann revealed, setting the record straight and probably causing a few premature grey hairs for the die-hard fans. With disruptions in the camp, he admitted,
“I’m going to be honest: I don’t think we are 100% where we want to be with our preparation.”
Between coaching sync-ups and player familiarization, it’s been a bumpy road, and that’s without mentioning the injury minefield the team has been tiptoeing around.
The casualty list reads like a who’s who of rugby luminaries: Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Marco van Staden, and the list goes on. Even the Bulls’ captain, Ruan Nortjé, is out of action, leaving veteran Marcell Coetzee to lead the charge. “We are privileged to have many leaders in the group, but Marcell is a logical choice. The guys have great respect for him and the way he trains and lives our values,” Ackermann noted, confirming the switch in leadership.
Despite the setbacks, Ackermann remains optimistic about the opportunities it creates for other players.
“Almost every Springbok has had an opportunity earlier in their career because of a player in a starting team who was injured,”
he remarked, underscoring his belief in the depth of his squad. With upcoming games against the defending champions Leinster, and tours in Ireland against Ulster and Connacht, followed by a trip to Glasgow, the Bulls have their work cut out for them.
Ackermann is keen to keep the team focused on the immediate challenge, though. “We’re touring early and playing some of the top teams in the competition,” he said. “But for now, we’re just focusing on the Ospreys. If you look too far ahead, you risk missing the small details.” Here’s hoping the Bulls can find their feet quickly, or it might be a long season ahead.
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It looks like the Vodacom Bulls are heading into their URC opener against the Ospreys with a bit of a limp, and not just because of the usual post-final hangover. Coach Johan Ackermann has candidly pointed out that the squad gearing up at Loftus Versfeld is not the same beast that took on Leinster in last season's finals. With a laundry list of unavailable Springboks and injured key players, Ackermann's lineup is more of a 'who’s left' than a 'who’s who.'
“I think there may be a perception that the team that played in the URC final will also play against the Ospreys, but that is not going to be the case at all,” Ackermann revealed, setting the record straight and probably causing a few premature grey hairs for the die-hard fans. With disruptions in the camp, he admitted,
“I’m going to be honest: I don’t think we are 100% where we want to be with our preparation.”
Between coaching sync-ups and player familiarization, it’s been a bumpy road, and that’s without mentioning the injury minefield the team has been tiptoeing around.The casualty list reads like a who’s who of rugby luminaries: Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Marco van Staden, and the list goes on. Even the Bulls’ captain, Ruan Nortjé, is out of action, leaving veteran Marcell Coetzee to lead the charge. “We are privileged to have many leaders in the group, but Marcell is a logical choice. The guys have great respect for him and the way he trains and lives our values,” Ackermann noted, confirming the switch in leadership.
Despite the setbacks, Ackermann remains optimistic about the opportunities it creates for other players.
“Almost every Springbok has had an opportunity earlier in their career because of a player in a starting team who was injured,”
he remarked, underscoring his belief in the depth of his squad. With upcoming games against the defending champions Leinster, and tours in Ireland against Ulster and Connacht, followed by a trip to Glasgow, the Bulls have their work cut out for them.Ackermann is keen to keep the team focused on the immediate challenge, though. “We’re touring early and playing some of the top teams in the competition,” he said. “But for now, we’re just focusing on the Ospreys. If you look too far ahead, you risk missing the small details.” Here’s hoping the Bulls can find their feet quickly, or it might be a long season ahead.
Teams: Vodacom Bulls, Ospreys, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht, Glasgow.