Ackermann pinpoints key factor behind Bulls' thrashing of Stade Français
REACTION: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann highlighted his side’s second-half execution as the catalyst for their 56-20 victory over Stade Français in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup at Loftus Versfeld.
The Bulls dominated key collisions and forced the visitors into several errors throughout the match.
Ackermann’s men scored three tries in the first half before taking control after the break, adding 35 points while conceding just two tries.
Winger Cheswill Jooste was named man of the match after crossing the whitewash three times, while Bok flyhalf Handre Pollard converted all eight scores.
The story continues below…
Ackermann was pleased with his side’s ability to score more than 50 points and put it down to execution and their fighting spirit.
“Obviously, I’m proud of the guys. To get the win is the most important thing; we got that, and the bonus point is in the bag as well,” he said.
“It was a fight; it wasn’t that easy, as probably the scoreline showed. We probably made it a little bit difficult for ourselves with penalties conceded in the first half and errors and not executing that well.
“In the second half, there was better execution; we still missed a few opportunities, but they [Stade Français] showed a lot of character, and the conditions were tough out there.”
The Bulls made a flying start, scoring two tries in the opening 16 minutes.
They struggled to build on that momentum, however, and sloppy mistakes gifted Stade Français two penalties which the French side kicked over.
“We were quite frustrated up in the coaches’ box because it was great that we started well, but then we went into a block where we just made it easy for them,” Ackermann added.
“It was either we conceded a penalty, or we would knock the ball on in less than two phases, and they get the scrum and slow it down, or they get an easy entry into our half.
“It was around the 34th/35th minute; the stats we had showed that they had 62% ball and they only made 22 tackles, yet we were leading on the scoreboard, and it didn’t feel that way.
“It’s definitely a work on for us; if teams come here, we must make them work a bit harder.”
The story continues below…
Never in doubt 🙌👏🔥
Your Investec Champions Cup player of the Match, Cheswill.
@ChampionsCup | @Investec https://t.co/F3L8B2wvcM
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) October 17, 2026
Ackermann also took a calculated gamble this week, rotating his squad and giving players an opportunity.
He handed Luan Giliomee and Sango Xamlashe their debuts, and both played the full 80 minutes.
Giliomee joined the Bulls from the Sharks two weeks ago, while this is Xamlashe’s second coming at the Bulls, having represented the side in the Currie Cup.
“Sango showed us good signs when he joined us in training, and we just felt maybe it’s a good time to rotate Stedman Gans.
“He justified the selection; he played well. I was very happy with his game, especially defensively.
“Luan was playing well for the Sharks, slotted in well, did his homework, and we could see he’s comfortable with the plays.
“He was quite steady, nothing flashy, a good performance. I spoke to him in the changing room; there was an opportunity late in the game that he missed. I think he should’ve kicked it for himself over the line.
“But we’re happy with our selections; even the front row, we pushed them a long time because they haven’t played a lot of rugby in a long time.”
Register your interest to receive priority updates on RWC27 ticket releases. Don't miss out, stay in the loop!
