Defensive frailties haunt Ackermann
REACTION: The Bulls’ defensive frailties were again laid bare, leaving head coach Johan Ackermann in reflective mood as the season continues to test both belief and resolve.
Conceding heavily has forced some uncomfortable self-examination among the coaching staff, even as preparation during the week suggested a far better outcome than the one delivered on match day.
Despite the frustration of another heavy defeat, the Bulls boss insisted the response cannot waver.
The focus, he said, remains on continuous improvement – backing the players selected, working relentlessly on individual and collective shortcomings, and creating an environment where accountability and growth go hand in hand.
Results may not yet reflect the effort being put in, but the commitment behind the scenes, he stressed, remains unwavering.
“When you leak that amount of tries, you start questioning yourself as coaches and management,” Ackermann said after the game.
“We prepared the guys well during the week – Friday was one of our better training sessions, and it doesn’t help that we lost by the margin that we lost.
“The only thing we can do is keep working with the individuals, keep working with the team, keep working at improving.
“I know talk is cheap because at the end of the day, the results are not showing that we’re working on it, but I can promise that we are.
“When we pick players, there is an expectation that they can do the job – and we can keep working with them, then it’s up to us to make sure they can do it.
“If we feel they can’t do it, then we’ll give the next guy an opportunity.
“If they are good enough to be signed by us, then hopefully they are good enough to perform.
“Nobody purposely goes out to make a mistake.”
“We can only work on the errors, continue to put players in those situations, try things, or work on a plan not to make those mistakes, and exit our half better. Then we must go and carry it out,” he said.
“Naturally, we won’t give up. It’s part of life. There are people fighting cancer, poverty, and war. Losing isn’t nice, but it tests your character to see whether you will lie down or stand up.”
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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 [Sunday] 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 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.”
Looking ahead, the Bulls now face a challenging road trip to Durban with a squad nursing injuries and niggles, leaving selection and recovery the immediate priorities.
With the Sharks and Stormers looming, the emphasis shifts to restoring confidence, rebuilding energy levels, and ensuring the group stands up to adversity, determined to fight its way out of a difficult spell rather than surrender to it.
“We arrive back home on Tuesday, so we’ll have only Thursday and Friday to train before we fly down to Durban,” Ackermann said.
“There are a lot of injuries and a lot of niggles in the team at the moment. We’ll have to see who’s fit, who’s ready to go, and then pick a team
“I think it’s more about getting the mind positive, getting the bodies healed up and full of energy, and then going to challenge a good Sharks side in Durban.
“If we can get through that game, we’ve got a week off, and then it’s a big challenge against the Stormers, who are obviously in great form. It’s not an easy two weeks, but the only thing we can control now is getting 23 players fit and healthy.
“We’ve got at least three guys who won’t be available next week, but I don’t want to speculate. We’ll see once we get the full medical report to determine who’s fit and ready to play.”
“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 maintain my faith, continue working with the players I have, and support them where I can. Hopefully, we’ll be able to work our way out of this hole.”
