Ackermann ready to 'step up' in Europe
CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann feels Gloucester is ready to go to the next level in Europe.
Having taken the Lions to two finals in Super Rugby, he is now looking to take Gloucester as far as possible in the Champions Cup.
The 48-year-old was seconds away from guiding Gloucester to a third Challenge Cup title in his first season as coach, earlier this year, but for Cardiff Blues flyhalf Gareth Anscombe kicking a late penalty goal to deny the English side in a thrilling Bilbao Final (31-30).
But they managed to qualify for this season’s Heineken Champions Cup for the first time since the 2013/14 season with a seventh-place finish in last year’s English Premiership.
They have been placed in a tough Pool Two against English Premiership runners-up Exeter Chiefs, Champions Cup semifinalists Munster and Top 14 winners Castres Olympique – who they will kick off their campaign against on October 14, at Kingsholm Stadium.
Ackermann felt the experience of losing in Bilbao could benefit his side in this year’s competition.
“Obviously, we had a good European competition last year,” Ackermann told the tournament’s website.
“We were privileged and happy to make the final, but as everybody knows, the way we lost it was a bit of a tragedy,” said Ackermann.
“We felt we had it up until the last minutes, but credit to Cardiff for coming back from that points difference.
“But I think it was a good experience in all. Obviously, for myself, it was my first taste of European and seeing some new venues, especially Bilbao, was exceptional; that was a very good stadium.
“But we’re very glad to move one up, moving up to the Heineken Champions Cup is going to be a massive challenge and we’re looking forward to that.”
Ackermann also highlighted how the competition will provide his players and fans the chance to experience sporting arenas like Thomond Park and Stade Pierre Fabre.
“Every player wants to play against the best teams and to measure themselves against the best players in Europe,” added the former South Africa A coach.
“It’s the same for the club, for the supporters, the season-ticket holders and all the sponsors involved, it’s a massive honour to get the likes of Munster, Exeter and Castres.
“And whatever team we might get if we’ve got the ability to go further than that. It’s just great to see those players and the quality of those teams.
“We know those teams have got passionate supporters as well, who will come to Kingsholm and experience that.
“It also gives our supporters the opportunity to travel to other venues and to experience the atmosphere there, so it’s just a great competition to be a part of.”
Source: @ChampionsCup
