Ackermann's 'hugs' doing wonders for the Bulls
STAT ATTACK: Following an inauspicious start to the season, Johan Ackermann’s Bulls are beginning to show some imperious form and a healthy dosage of desperation.
It was during a seven-match losing streak (five of those in the United Rugby Championship) that the decriers had a field day.
It seemed that not only would the men from Pretoria miss the European cut, but reaching the URC play-offs also appeared to be just a pipe dream.
As Bulls coach Johan Ackermann attempted to explain, ad nauseam, he had none of his Springboks in camp and had no chance to work with them.
Unlike the Sharks, who also spent October, November and a chunk of December without their international superstars, the Bulls corrected their listing ship.
Since a heartbreaking 8-13 loss to the Stormers back on January 3, their only other URC loss was also against the Cape Town franchise (19-32 in March).
Ackermann’s compassionate and gentle approach seems to be getting the best out of a group of players that is also gelling very well.
It is not just in the ‘W’ column where things started to look better for the Bulls; key aspects of their game are beginning to show a sharp upward curve.
The Bulls’ attack stats have them at No.2 in the competition, with 467 points, 67 tries, 146 offloads, 7017 metres gained, 333 defenders beaten, and 142 clean breaks.
It is on defence where the concerns remain, the Bulls in 14th place.
They attempted 2361 tackles, made 2020 for a completion rate of just 77 percent, and conceded 241 turnovers (an average of 15 per game).
Discipline, which still seems sketchy at times, is showing signs of significant improvement.
Their 151 penalties (9.44 per game) have yielded 11 yellow cards.
Even the scrums, which coughed up 27 penalties in the 16 games, showed marked improvement.
They moved up to second place, with a 96 percent success rate and have won 37 penalties in the set piece.
However, line-outs (only in 12th place) remain a cause for concern.
Going into the final two rounds of league action, the Bulls host Zebre and Benetton in the next fortnight.
Given their form, and with the teams above them facing each other, 59 points may well earn them a top-four finish.
@JanDKrugby
@rugby365com
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