Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann cut a despondent figure during the post-match media conference following his side’s 50-5 hammering at the hands of the Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.
His concerns were compounded by the fact that several players are nursing niggles, with at least three suffering injuries that could be considered serious.
Flyhalf Kade Wolhuter – on loan from the Lions – endured a difficult afternoon for his new team. His kicking out of hand was found wanting, as he failed to find touch with two penalties and generally looked troubled by the overall pace of the game.
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Ackermann confirmed that Wolhuter’s troublesome knee has once again flared up and could keep him sidelined for some time.
“When he ran back to field a ball, he hurt his knee again,” Ackermann said. “He’s on crutches at the moment and I’m not yet 100% sure how bad the injury is. It might just be a precaution for now, to prevent him from putting too much weight on that knee.
“We’ll get a clearer picture of his availability and when he can play again once we’re back in Pretoria. But just looking at it, it seems unlikely that he’ll be available for selection next week.”
Ackermann once again lamented missed opportunities that could have altered the complexion of the contest.
“Last week [against Bordeaux Bègles] we led 33-22, but then we picked up two yellow cards, started to lose lineouts, lost possession in contact and conceded penalties. Today it was very much the same,” Ackermann said.
“At 14-5 at half-time, we certainly had opportunities in the first half that we didn’t use. In the second half, we just couldn’t get out of our half. We again started conceding penalties, not kicking for touch, losing lineouts and then conceding another yellow card. Saints used every opportunity they were given.”
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Responding to a question about his apparent reluctance to take firmer action against under-performing players, Ackermann stood by his squad.
“The reality is that no one goes out there to make a mistake,” he said. “I don’t think people go to work to make mistakes, but it happens.
“My faith is in God, and that’s where my identity lies. I can keep my faith, keep working with the players I have, keep faith in them and support them where I can. Hopefully, we’ll be able to work our way out of this hole.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
