Coach Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls have to match the Sharks up front and in the air at Kings Park on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The Bulls head into the Vodacom URC fixture under pressure after losing their last four matches across competitions – two in the URC and two in the Investec Champions Cup – including an embarrassing 50-5 defeat to the Northampton Saints in England.
The Sharks, by contrast, claimed a confidence-boosting Champions Cup win over Saracens at Kings Park last weekend in JP Pietersen’s first match as interim coach.
“There’s no bigger challenge than playing the Sharks at home in front of a sold-out stadium,” said Ackermann on Friday. “That’s why we play this game. It’s a massive opportunity for us.
“They will take confidence from their win against Saracens and they’ve gone for continuity in selection.
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“They’re going to test us up front. Their set-piece is very good, they’ve got quality outside backs and an exceptional midfield with a lot of power.
“They’re also strong in the kicking game, so that’s one area where they’ll come and test us. We have to make sure we match them in the aerial battle, win those contests or at least be in the fight.
“Then we have to match them physically and in the set-piece. If we don’t play well, the Sharks have a quality team and they will punish you.”
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Ackermann was frank about the Bulls’ recent struggles.
“We’re frustrated because of basic errors – at the breakdown, handling errors, penalties, yellow cards. We let our own standards slip,” he said. “You can’t keep giving top teams constant entries into your 22 and expect not to concede [tries].
“This week has been about accuracy and making sure we put together a full 80-minute performance.”
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Ackermann has made 11 changes to his XV. Springbok props Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, flyhalf Handre Pollard and fullback Willie le Roux all start, while utility front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels is set to make his return from a nine-week ban off the bench.
However, the Bulls are without Bok lock Ruan Nortje, flank Marco van Staden and utility back Canan Moodie due to national rest protocols, while winger Kurt-Lee Arendse has not yet completed the concussion return-to-play process.
“We had a plan in place and we’ve been transparent with the players about rotation and rest,” Ackermann explained. “Some guys are on compulsory breaks and others get opportunities. If you’re in the squad and you train every week, you deserve a fair chance to play when the opportunity comes.”
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He is particularly pleased to have Wessels back.
“You can see he’s like a bull terrier – he just wants to get out there and do some damage. He hasn’t played for nine weeks, so match fitness will come with game time, but he’s a quality player and will slot in easily.”
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Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
