Johan Ackermann has delivered a blunt message ahead of the Vodacom Bulls’ crucial URC clash against the Dragons in Newport on Friday night – win, at all costs. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
The Pretoria-based club remains in the hunt for a top-eight finish, but positive results on their Welsh tour are crucial to their playoff hopes.
“The reality is we have to win, and we know it,” Ackermann told the media from their base in Newport on Thursday.
“I don’t even care about the bonus point. Of course a bonus-point win will be the best-case scenario, but we just need to win.”
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It’s a statement that underlines the pressure on the Bulls as the competition enters its business end, with playoff positions tightening and every result carrying weight.
Ackermann insists the Dragons pose a serious threat at home.
“Where they lie on the log [15th] is not a true reflection of who they are as a team,” he said. “They are up there when it comes to their stats. They’re good in the air, have a good set-piece and they play an exciting brand.
“We saw how they pushed the Stormers and the Lions all the way. We also saw what they did in Europe and now they’re through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup. They’re a quality side and they’ll back themselves at home, so we know it’s going to be a big challenge.”
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The Bulls have opted for continuity, with a settled core built around Springbok influence. The experienced halfback pairing of Embrose Papier and Handré Pollard will again dictate play, while captain Marcell Coetzee, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom anchor the loose trio.
However, injuries to Kurt-Lee Arendse (dislocated finger) and Cheswill Jooste (foot) have forced a reshuffle out wide.
“Canan [Moodie] and David [Kriel] are both quite good in the aerial game and have played on the wing at the highest level, so we felt that they were our best options there,” said Ackermann.
“Cheswill is a three to four-week injury but he responded well to treatment last week and this week, so we’re going to keep him with us and see how he tracks. The Scarlets are three weeks away and just maybe he’ll be ready to play. Kurt-Lee is also two to three weeks away. He’s still in a fair amount of pain. We’ll reassess that on Monday.”
Devon Williams returns to the side and slots in at fullback, with Willie le Roux providing cover off the bench.
Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
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