Ahead of a massive north-south derby against the only unbeaten side in the Vodacom URC, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann set the record straight on the involvement of some Springbok coaches.
He’s lambasted the media over their reporting on the story, accusing it of fuelling rumours and misrepresenting a routine coaching consultation.
Speaking bluntly at a media briefing on Friday, Ackermann made his frustration known with how the story first found its way into the public domain.
MORE: Ackers clarifies Bok coaches assistance
“I’m actually very disappointed in the media for now only asking me the question [what the specific functions of the Bok coaches will be],” Ackermann said.
“It’s funny how you guys run with a story that social media spreads. Everybody jumped on the wagon and started rumours and then it became a whole thing. I don’t know – maybe it’s a way to sell tickets, get the game more spicy. I don’t know why you guys did it.
“Everybody’s got my number – I don’t know why you didn’t just call me.”
The Bulls coach pushed back strongly against the narrative that outside assistance was a panic move given last season’s finalists current dip in form and lowly log position.
“Everybody makes this issue about us missing tackles and conceding five tries, and if all the coaches out there are typing messages and commenting on it, then I must make sure that we are addressing the right things.
“I need to assess if we aren’t perhaps feeling the pressure and missing stuff?”
Ackermann then detailed how the engagement with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus came about — describing it as a standard, professional exchange rather than the crisis it has been portrayed as.
“That’s why I just phoned Rassie and said ‘Listen, while your coaches are not doing anything at the moment’ like I did with the Lions when I was there, it was clear that the Springbok coach has a mobi-unit and that mobi-unit is available [to whoever needs it], like the Sharks have done, like the Lions have done in the past.
“It’s been happening, but now all of a sudden it’s this big issue only because somebody who doesn’t know what his talking about, leaked this thing.”
ALSO: Dobbo clears air on Bulls’ Bok assistance
Ackermann stressed the need for neutral eyes to try and identify the soft spots in their overall game and says the likes of Duane Vermeulen, Felix Jones and Any Edwards will only provide their expert opinion on how the Bulls can improve between now and the end of the season.
“Coaches speak to each other and share ideas. That’s the reality,” he said.
“If you think you know everything, you’re on the wrong path.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
