'The pressure will be on': Ackermann outlines Bulls' Champions Cup approach

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has warned his side against resting on their laurels after thumping the Lions 57-15, with their attention now turning to the Investec Champions Cup.

The Bulls will begin their quest for European glory when they host French outfit Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Ackermann’s troops will head into that clash flush with confidence after their emphatic derby victory, with their Springbok stars firing on all cylinders.

The Bulls have been South Africa’s standard-bearers in the competition over the past three seasons, consistently outperforming their domestic rivals.

Last season, they reached the knockout stages despite winning just one of their pool matches, before suffering a last-16 exit at the hands of Glasgow Warriors.

Their best run came in the 2023/24 season, when they reached the quarterfinals but suffered a heavy 22-59 defeat to Northampton Saints.

While his side is yet to crack the top four, Ackermann rates the competition highly and believes the winner can lay claim to being the best club team on the planet.

“I personally think it’s one of the best, if not the best, competitions in the world,” he said.

“Purely because, apart from Australia and New Zealand, you play every country, and if you lift that trophy, you probably can say you’re the best club team in the world.

“If you play Toulouse, you’re playing against a French side; if you’re playing Leinster, you’re playing against an Irish side, and it challenges you in your squad depth.”

The Bulls will play two pool matches at home and two away.

The home games will be against Stade Français and Bath. Ackermann stressed the importance of making their fixtures at Loftus count.

“The bottom line of the Investec Champions Cup is that you must win your home games,” he added.

“If you win your home games, you will be in the play-offs probably, but then if you can get one away win you’ll get a home play-off.

“That will be ideal [home play-off], but first of all, win your home games. Anything can happen; hopefully our injury front will allow us to pick a strong team to compete in that competition.”

Despite the importance of home advantage, Ackermann knows the Bulls cannot afford to take anything for granted.

“Every home game won’t make you relax; the pressure is always on when you play at home.

“People will expect you to win, and I think in theory, if you win your home games in any competition, you give yourself at least a chance.

“The pressure will be on; I don’t think we will afford to be relaxed.”

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Ackermann is also weighing up his selection options for Saturday’s clash, with the Bulls coach considering whether to stick with a similar matchday squad or introduce fresh faces.

The Bulls have welcomed recruits in recent weeks, with Luan Giliomee and Hencus van Wyk among the players who could feature soon.

Ackermann also revealed that he used the derby against the Lions to familiarise the new players with the team’s processes.

“We had a few guys on purpose being backup players.

“Guys like Dylan Maart, Luan Giliomee, Hencus and Sango [Xamlashe] because we used the opportunity to show them if they do play, this is what we do before the game, during the game and how the process works.

“So that if they get selected, it’s not something new. Those guys have to be patient, and if they get the opportunity, then they can show their qualities.”