Bulls firing again? De Bruin’s influence shows in eye-catching stats
The Bulls’ attacking overhaul is beginning to pay dividends, with Neil de Bruin emerging as a central figure in a revamped backline that is firing its way into United Rugby Championship play-offs.
Brought in as part of a wider shake-up following a frustrating run of results, De Bruin was handed control of the Bulls’ attack – a move that has coincided with a sharp uptick in output and cohesion.
His reunion with Johan Ackermann has reignited a proven coaching partnership forged in both South Africa and Japan.
The duo previously worked together at the Red Hurricanes and D-Rocks in Japan Rugby League One, where De Bruin spent four seasons as attack and backs coach under Ackermann. Their alignment around clarity, tempo and attacking intent is now clearly filtering through in Pretoria.
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#SPOTLIGHT: Ackermann’s ‘hugs’ doing wonders for the Bulls 👇#URC #Bulls #JohanAckermann https://t.co/nlFWe1aAKs
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The results are tangible. The Bulls have surged to become one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the URC, sitting second on the try-scoring charts with 67 tries – just three behind the table-topping Lions – while also racking up 467 points, again the second highest of all the teams.
De Bruin’s influence builds on a foundation laid during his time at the Lions between 2018 and 2020, where he first worked alongside Ackermann and developed a reputation for progressive, detail-driven attack.
That partnership continued in Japan from 2020 to 2024 before De Bruin returned to South Africa, most recently guiding Paarl Boys’ High to the No.1 national ranking in 2025.
Despite the encouraging numbers, De Bruin insists the evolution of the Bulls’ attack has been about balance rather than wholesale change.
“But I’ve learnt a couple of lessons along the way that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all,” De Bruin told reporters on Tuesday, adding, “I learnt a lot of lessons in Japan, having been privileged to coach there, where it is a completely different game.
“During my time at Ellis Park, it was a team that had an identity to play free and attacking rugby from everywhere.
“And arriving here at the Bulls, there were similarities but also differences. The DNA [at the Bulls] is slightly different from what I was used to at the Lions. Slowly but surely, I feel we are headed in the right direction,” De Bruin explained.
With the play-offs looming, the key question is whether the Bulls’ attack is ready for knockout rugby.
“The stats are interesting, but rugby isn’t just attack or defence, it’s both. Obviously there aren’t seven attackers and eight defenders on a rugby field.
“The 15 guys have to do both. So it’s difficult to pinpoint,” De Bruin added.
“If we defend well and create transition opportunities, it helps our attack enormously.
“I hope we’re ready. This is a pretty robust team that have been in play-offs in the past. So it’s going to come down to the small margins and our execution will be the key.”
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