Bulls shut out permutation talk

Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls are focused on performance, not calculators, as they prepare for Friday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Pau.

The Bulls, who are bottom of Pool 4 after three defeats, must win at the Stade du Hameau and deny Pau any bonus points, and then await the outcome of the Scarlets’ game at Northampton on Sunday night to see if they progress to the last 16.

“We haven’t really spoken about scenarios or permutations … if we do this, then that can happen,” Ackermann said on Thursday. “The general talk is that we need to start playing 80 minutes and live up to our standards, our values and our accountability to the jersey, our supporters and our sponsors.”

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Ackermann acknowledged there was pressure on his group who are on a seven-game losing streak, but warned against letting outcomes overshadow process.

“We’re not blind to the pressure – it’s there,” he said. “But if you focus on, ‘If we win this, then that can happen,’ you take away the things you can control and you just add more pressure. We want to take this game minute by minute, from the kick-off.”

The Bulls coach believes his side is not far off clicking, despite conceding heavily in recent matches, including 61 points to the Bristol Bears at Loftus last weekend.

“I can’t fault the players for their energy or their willingness to work,” he said. “Even this week [in Pau], the field was muddy and slippery, but the boys worked hard. We’re not far off – sometimes things just need to go your way.

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“We’re scoring enough points, but we’re conceding more than we score, and then obviously the result won’t go your way. If we can get that sorted and stay on top of our attack, hopefully that moment we’re waiting for is around the corner.”

The two-match tour, which includes a Vodacom URC match in Edinburgh next weekend, has also provided a chance to strengthen cohesion within the squad.

“When you’re away, you get more time together off the field – breakfasts, dinners, sitting and talking,” Ackermann said. “There’s no one rushing home. Hopefully that connection spills over onto the field.”

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On team selection, Ackermann reiterated that decisions were made with performance in mind rather than short-term calculation.

“We’re playing a quality side lying second in the Top 14,” he said. “It’s a massive challenge, but we believe we’re on the right track.”

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images