Ackermann's verdict on Bulls' Ellis Park statement
REACTION: Johan Ackermann admits expectations were exceeded as the Bulls dismantled the Lions 52-17, delivering a reminder of their pedigree and momentum on the road.
The Bulls made a powerful statement on Saturday, outscoring the Lions eight tries to two in a commanding United Rugby Championship Round 11 victory at Ellis Park.
The Pretoria franchise was in fine form from the kick-off, dominating proceedings and taking a commanding 26-3 lead into the break.
They defended resolutely, were outstanding under the high ball and proved to be a far more determined side since their defeat to Bristol Bears in the Champions Cup a month ago at Loftus Versfeld.
The emphatic win marked the Bulls’ third consecutive victory on the road, underlining their growing consistency away from home.
“We wanted to mix it up a bit, and the boys got the balance right,” Ackermann told reporters after the match.
“There were one or two opportunities probably out wide as well, but we felt the forwards did well, and we just stuck to that.
“The first few aerial contests went our way, and that’s the fine margins of this game.
“There were games in the past that didn’t go our way, so you take the wins like that. I’m just proud of the guys, of the effort, because it takes a lot of effort to play as we did.”
The coach conceded there was one of two errors, but admired his team’s ability to recover.
“We made a few mistakes back-to-back, but luckily we didn’t concede,” Ackermann said.
“When we got it going, we really did well.
“I always felt that it was going to happen; we just had to get the passes sticking and get the momentum going.
“The first half exceeded our expectations. We played really well. One or two mistakes, but we bounced back well from that.”
While the pack laid a dominant platform, the halfback pairing of Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier played a decisive role in steering the Bulls’ attacking momentum.
“Handré has come in for quite a bit of stick recently, and he didn’t have the best start today, but he really grew into the game and in the second half was pulling the strings really nicely.
“It’s because of the kind of player he is, and he’s hard on himself. The good thing about Handré is he doesn’t let mistakes make him negative.”
Papier’s influence was equally telling over the full 80 minutes.
“His kicking game was spot on today. It allowed us to contest those balls. Obviously, he’s also got a lot of speed if he gets a little bit of a sniff of a break.”
Beyond the result, the afternoon carried personal significance for Ackermann, who returned to his former home ground in Johannesburg.
“I’ve got close ties with the Lions and always will have,” he reflected.
“A lot of memories came back when I walked onto the field for the first time. Those are memories that last forever, but you start building new ones. I’m with a new team now, and I’m building new relationships.
“They’re my sons now – the players I’m looking after – and I wanted them to do well.”
