Ackermann addresses Bulls' disciplinary concerns
The Bulls took a giant leap towards the United Rugby Championship play-offs, but there are some glaringly obvious disciplinary concerns.
The Stormers are now top of the URC standings on 56 points, one clear of Glasgow Warriors.
Then come the Lions and Leinster on 53, Munster on 51, Cardiff on 50, the Bulls on 49 and Ulster on 47.
Connacht are outside the all-important top eight on 44 points, but could still force their way in.
The Bulls’ final two league games are against Zebre (May 9) and Benetton (May 16) at Loftus Versfeld.
They are resting this week and will return “refreshed” for the final stretch.
“We will have to look at our discipline,” Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said after a late penalty by Springbok World Cup hero Handre Pollard won them a nailbiting 23-21 win over Scarlets in Llanelli this past weekend.
The Bulls coach expressed his frustration with some questionable calls, one of which happened in the build-up to centre Stedman Gans’ yellow card in the 43rd minute.
However, he had no issue with a card issued to replacement prop Francois Klopper five minutes later.
“We need to fix that,” he said of a season that has already produced 11 yellow cards and 151 penalties.
“It puts you under tremendous pressure in tight games, where you can’t afford to be one player down, let alone two.
“However, Handre Pollard showed his class with his kicking display.”
Ackermann said it was a tough four-week tour, which included a 21-25 loss to Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup Round of 126, followed by wins over the Dragons (47-7) and Scarlets.
However, two away wins is a big positive for the seasoned coach.
“The greatest satisfaction for me is the fact that we are still in the hunt [for the URC play-offs].
“We kept ourselves alive and our destiny in our own hands, which made it a successful tour.
“However, the job is not done yet.
“Playing at Loftus is a big advantage, but that won’t do the job for you.
“We must do the job on the field.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet.”
Ackermann is also not looking too far, with both Italian sides presenting a potential speed bump in the road.
That was highlighted this past weekend, when Leinster came unstuck at Benetton, losing 26-29.
“You must not underestimate Zebre, and Benetton showed this past weekend that they are one of the top teams in the competition,” Ackermann said.
“They can beat any team on any given day with all the Italian internationals they have in their squad.”
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