"They will be excited to start well at home and in front of the home crowd," Ackermann commented as his team geared up for their departure. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of early-season matches and the motivation Zebre will draw from their fans.
"It’s always a difficult one – week one, two – because you never know where you are, what areas are good and what areas are not so good."
The Bulls have faced a compressed preparation period due to international call-ups, limiting their warm-up games. Ackermann is preparing his squad for a tough match rather than a straightforward win, expressing his anticipation of the challenges that lie ahead in Italy.
"We know it’s going to be a massive challenge against a team that is hungry to perform in front of that crowd."
The South African side has also seen opportunities arise from injuries and absences, with Ackermann forced to try new player combinations. This was evident in their recent encounter against the Stormers, which served more as an experimental phase rather than a decisive battle.
Changes included Stravino Jacobs playing as inside centre, and the new pairing of Ruben Groenewald and Juan Else as flyhalf and hooker, respectively. Thaakir Abrahams, a new addition, made an impressive appearance on the wing. "The most important thing was to get a bit of rugby time and contact into the players," said Ackermann about the match.
Speaking on the squad’s depth, Ackermann discussed the team’s strategic off-season signings aimed at boosting their roster, which already features 15 Springboks. Players like Curwin Bosch, Hanro Liebenberg, Dylan Maart, Sango Xamlashe, and Hakeem Kunene have joined the team, heightening internal competition and maintaining high standards.
Looking ahead, after the game in Parma, the Bulls will face a challenging match against Munster in Limerick, followed by a game against the Lions at Loftus. Ackermann reflected on the previous season’s slow start and stressed the importance of maintaining a steady performance level this season.
"What the squad has learned over the years is not to panic if things don’t go your way," he explained. Ackermann's focus remains on the immediate threat posed by Zebre, emphasizing the importance of not underestimating them.
In conclusion, as the Bulls prepare to kick off their season, the mix of fresh talent and experienced heads, coupled with the awareness of the challenges they face, sets the stage for what promises to be an enthralling campaign in the URC.
