'We just have to keep winning': Bulls in URC play-off fight
REACTION: The Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann didn’t mince his words after his side reignited their United Rugby Championship play-off push with a commanding 40-7 bonus-point victory over Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
After a disappointing 19-32 loss to the Stormers the previous week, the response was emphatic – and necessary.
Despite conceding early, the Bulls quickly found their rhythm. Five first-half tries powered them to a dominant 33-7 lead at the break, effectively putting the contest to bed before halftime.
The second half lacked the same sharpness, with just one additional try, but the damage had already been done – a full haul of log points secured when it mattered most.
“First of all, we’re happy and grateful to be on the right side of the result,” he said.
“I could feel it in the warm-up – the boys were really focused, and there was good energy.
“We started OK, then they scored first, but I thought we responded well. We played well in the first half, although there were still missed chances.”
Still, the bigger picture looms large.
With the race for the top eight tightening, every fixture now carries knockout-level importance. The Bulls host Munster next, before a short break for the Champions Cup and a demanding European tour.
Ackermann was blunt about the situation.
“Every game is important,” Ackermann said, adding: “We’re just unfortunately in that situation now.
“We will fight to stay in the top eight with every game. If we don’t get the result, we’ll put ourselves in jeopardy. If we get it, we stay in touch.
“So every game is important now. If Munster win, they go up. If they don’t, it doesn’t matter. We just have to keep winning.”
Among the standout performers was scrumhalf Embrose Papier, whose sharpness and pace added a cutting edge to the Bulls’ attack.
Papier sealed the bonus point in the 35th minute, sprinting down the touchline after a moment of brilliance from Kurt-Lee Arendse.
“We knew if we could get a bit of space and up the tempo, they would struggle with the travel and the altitude, etc. And Embrose is so dangerous in that space.
“He showed his speed and his class, and he made a turnover, contesting a breakdown. And his kicking was good. He had a good game, and it’s good to have him back.”
With momentum restored but pressure mounting, the equation is simple for the Bulls: there’s no room for error.
