Ackermann's 'gritty' words make Bulls stand up

SPOTLIGHT: It’s been a positive start to Johan Ackermann’s reign as head coach, and his “gritty” words will be ringing in his players’ ears as they head on tour.

After bonus point wins against the Ospreys (53-40) and Leinster (39-31), the Bulls will now face Ulster and Connacht in Ireland before they end their tour with a match against Glasgow Warriors in Scotland.

“Our coach is big on battle words and one that stands out for me is grit,” said Bulls utility back David Kriel.

“I think this group has grit.”

On the upcoming tour, he added: “We are going to go for all three games.”

“We really want to win silverware this season.

“This tour is going to be the perfect test for that.

“We are really excited and hopefully everything works well in our favour.”

It was a fluctuating contest with champions Leinster fighting back from 10-22 down to lead midway through the second half as they delivered a much-improved performance from their Round One 0-35 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town.

But, in the end, the Bulls claimed the spoils with two-try centre Kriel crossing late on to seal a victory which puts them on top of the table.

“It doesn’t matter what team Leinster sends to South Africa; they are always a quality outfit,” said Kriel.

“You can’t pitch up and just expect it’s going to happen; you have got to make it happen.

“Luckily, the scoreboard was in our favour, but there is a lot to work on.”