Bulls pass first test as Ackermann hails tight five, Bosch

REACTION: Johan Ackermann was pleased with the Bulls’ opening-night performance after they dismantled Zebre Parma 47-13 in Italy, saying the victory was the perfect way to start their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign despite limited preparation and concerns around the set piece following Wilco Louw’s departure.

The Bulls coach admitted there was still plenty to improve on before next week’s trip to Munster, but praised his side’s defence, lineout and the game management of Curwin Bosch in his first official outing in the Bulls jersey.

Ackermann said the Bulls were wary of Zebre after the Italian side’s strong home form last season and the lack of game time his players had before Round One.

“The biggest thing we take out is the fact that we got away with the win because, if I remember correctly, Zebre won their first two home games last season,” Ackermann said.

“So, we were always nervous. We hadn’t played a lot of warm-up games and most of the players only had about 40 minutes of game time coming into tonight.”

He felt the Bulls looked rusty early on despite a solid build-up to the match.

“I think it showed in those first few minutes. Although we had a good build-up to the game, we made some sloppy errors.”

Ackermann warned that those mistakes would be punished against Munster next week.

“That’s the part we must correct because Munster will bring a different challenge. If we’re not accurate in our entries and exits in the 22, they will punish us.”

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Bulls smash Zebre Parma in dominant URC openerhttps://t.co/KIu75b5QkN

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Bulls defence and set piece earn praise

While the attack wasn’t perfect, Ackermann was delighted with the Bulls’ defensive effort and the performance of his tight five.

“We defended well and only conceded the three points early on. There’s definitely work to do, but we’ll enjoy the performance tonight, especially defensively.”

The departure of Wilco Louw and Ruan Nortje had raised questions about the Bulls’ scrum and lineouts heading into the season, but Ackermann was encouraged by what he saw from his forwards.

“I think our lineouts were good. We won virtually all of our lineouts apart from one in the corner. Reinhardt Ludwig called well and the throws were good. In general, the locks played really well, so I’m very pleased with that performance.”

He added that the tight five laid a strong platform.

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“The tight five played really well and put in a lot of hard yards. From a rugby point of view, I’m very pleased.”

Ackermann did, however, admit the scrum still needed attention.

“The scrum was a bit mixed. We started really well in the first half and then conceded a few penalties in the second half. That’s a big work-on for us because you’re not always going to have the luxury of a scoreboard like tonight.”

Bosch impresses in first game

Ackermann singled out Bosch for praise after the flyhalf controlled the match and finished with a flawless display from the kicking tee.

“Curwin controlled the game well, kicked very well out of hand and slotted all his goal kicks,” he said.

“To think he hadn’t played for a couple of weeks because of injury, for it to be his first game back under pressure, it’s a really good base to build from. Hopefully it will only get better as the season progresses.”

Injury concern for Bulls front row

The only sour note for the Bulls was an ankle injury to prop Mornay Smith, with Ackermann confirming the medical staff would assess the severity over the coming days.

“The only concern is Mornay. He twisted his ankle and we’re a little bit nervous about the extent of that injury,” Ackermann said.

“It’s too soon to say [if he will go back to South Africa]. In the next day or so the medical staff will determine whether it’s something he can stay with us through or whether we have to send him back.”