'I'm lost for words' - Ackermann after Bulls' famous comeback
REACTION: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has described his side’s stunning 22-21 comeback victory over Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield as one of the greatest wins of his coaching career.
Ackermann, who guided the Lions to multiple Super Rugby semifinals and finals during his tenure in Johannesburg, said Saturday’s triumph in Scotland ranks “right at the top” given the quality of the opposition and the character his players showed to overturn an 18-point deficit.
“This must be right at the top,” Ackermann said after the final whistle. “I’m actually lost for words. I couldn’t believe the whistle went and we had won.
“We showed so much commitment tonight. I’m so proud of the team. It’s a privilege to be part of this group, this occasion and a comeback like that.”
The Bulls looked in serious trouble at halftime after Glasgow raced into a 21-10 lead and dominated large parts of the opening 40 minutes. Yet Ackermann’s side responded with a scoreless defensive effort in the second half and two crucial tries to book their place in the URC Grand Final.
*Also read related article: Glasgow left shell-shocked as Bulls steal victory in URC semifinal drama
“The comeback is special, I won’t lie,” said Ackermann. “They were really playing good rugby. Franco has built that team over four years and they’re a quality side.
“That’s why this is probably one of the best victories I’ve had. Just the character that the guys showed.”
Trailing 10-21 at halftime and having spent much of the opening period under pressure, the Bulls looked destined for elimination before a vastly improved second-half display turned the contest on its head.
Ackermann praised the composure shown by his players after a difficult first half, particularly against a Glasgow side he had described before the match as one of the most clinical teams in the competition.
“The character of the team was outstanding,” said Ackermann. “It would have been easy to panic after the first half, but the players stayed calm, trusted the process and kept believing that if we could improve our discipline and accuracy, we could get ourselves back into the game.”
The Bulls coach reserved special praise for his side’s defensive effort after the break, as Glasgow were kept scoreless in the second half despite enjoying long periods of possession in the opening 40 minutes.
“We knew we hadn’t been good enough in the first half. We gave them too many opportunities and too much territory. But the response after halftime was exceptional.
“The players fronted up physically, won key moments and took their chances when they came.”
The victory completed another chapter in the Bulls’ remarkable turnaround this season under Ackermann, who took over after a difficult start to the campaign.
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Captain Marcel reflects on the comeback.@Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA pic.twitter.com/nKK5JYUDeK
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 6, 2026
“To reach a final after everything this group has been through says a lot about the people in this environment,” he said.
“The players never stopped working, the staff never stopped believing and now we’ve allowed ourselves to compete for a trophy.”
The Bulls will now turn their attention to the Grand Final in two weeks, with Ackermann warning that the job is far from finished.
“We’re proud of tonight, but we’ve achieved nothing yet. Finals are there to be won and we’ll recover, prepare well and make sure we’re ready for the next challenge.”
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