Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said his team is in a stronger place for the Champions Cup this season because his Springboks returned earlier than last year.
The Bulls open their European campaign against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 2pm. Ackermann said having the Boks from the start has given the side a head start, IOL reported.
“In January, it was the first time we had them all in the same room,” Ackermann said. “Now it just feels better. It almost feels like the lost sons are back.”
He said the move back after the November Tests in December would also be much easier. “It’s a much better footing to be on,” he said.
Like Stormers coach John Dobson, Ackermann has made the Champions Cup a priority. The Bulls want to go further in the competition after falling short last season.
“We didn’t win our home games last year against Bordeaux and Bristol, and we got only one win away from home,” he said. He added that one more win would have given the Bulls a home round of 16 match.
Ackermann said winning home games is the first area to improve, and keeping the squad healthy is the second. “I believe we’ve got the squad. If it stays healthy, we can get to the quarter-finals or semi-finals,” he said.
The coach has picked a changed side for the opener to give several players a chance. Luan Giliomee makes his debut at fullback after joining the Bulls almost two weeks ago. Sango Xamlashe, who came from Griquas, also gets a start at outside centre.
Ackermann said he was happy with Xamlashe’s training and with how fast Giliomee has learned the Bulls’ systems.
“We wanted to give the guys an opportunity, so the front row is just a straight swap. Cobus Wiese has played off the bench a lot, so we opted to give him a starting opportunity,” he said.
Springbok Marco van Staden, who has also been covering hooker, starts in the back row. Ackermann said it is a position where Van Staden is still very good.
Handré Pollard starts at flyhalf, with Curwin Bosch moving to the bench. Cheswill Jooste gets a start on the wing after coming on as a replacement before. He joins Giliomee and Sebastian de Klerk in the back three.
“It will be hot on Saturday, so we hope to tire Stade Français and then get these guys into space,” Ackermann said. A high of 33 degrees is expected.
The Bulls will be without Canan Moodie, who is following concussion protocols. Ackermann said Jooste and De Klerk can both handle the high ball in his place.
“Many forget that Cheswill is still 19 years old, and he must just back himself,” Ackermann said. He added that Jooste jumps higher than any other player the conditioning coaches have worked with.
Elrigh Louw captains the side from openside flank, with Paul de Wet at scrumhalf and Harold Vorster at inside centre. Embrose Papier, Stravino Jacobs and Willie le Roux are among the replacements.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.