Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls are still a “work in progress” despite putting themselves firmly in URC playoff contention.
After a difficult start to the season, the Bulls have regained momentum and lie eighth on the URC log after 14 rounds.
The Pretoria-based side also managed to sneak into the Investec Champions Cup playoffs, losing 25-21 to the Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium.
But Ackermann is far from satisfied.
“It doesn’t feel like we’re comfortable,” he told the Megafoon Rugby podcast. “The pressure is still on us, and there’s very little room for error in these last few [URC] games. We’ve improved, but we’re not the finished product yet.”
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Under former coach Jake White, the Bulls reached three out of the four URC finals. However, that impressive record masked long-standing underlying issues at the club, which Ackermann said needed addressing.
The 55-year-old has set about evolving the Bulls’ traditional identity, aiming to retain their physical edge while expanding their attacking game.
“We want to keep the Bulls DNA – a strong set-piece and physical dominance – but also improve our attacking game,” he said. “It’s about finding the right balance and building belief in a slightly different way of playing.”
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A key pillar of Ackermann’s tenure has been driving a cultural shift within the squad, addressing what he described as issues around consistency and mindset.
“Success can sometimes lead to complacency or entitlement,” he said. “For me, it’s about creating a value system, accountability and respect for the jersey.
“We’re changing the culture, the belief and the way we do things. That includes how we train and prepare. It takes time, especially when players have been used to a certain way for years.”
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Ackermann, who took over from Jake White in mid-2025, emphasised that patience will be required before the full benefits of those changes are realised.
“We’re only a few months into this process. If I get the time over the next year or two, you’ll see the changes more clearly. Real change doesn’t happen overnight.”
With the URC entering its decisive phase, Ackermann has urged his side to adjust their mentality.
“We have to treat every game like a knockout,” he said. “The first focus is just to win. If we do that, our destiny stays in our own hands.”
While encouraged by the team’s upward trajectory, Ackermann made it clear the Bulls’ ambitions extend beyond simply making this season’s playoffs.
“We’re building towards something, but we’re not there yet.”
Photo: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
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