Johan Ackermann reckons the Bulls are much stronger for their Champions Cup campaign this season, and it has plenty to do with his Springboks being back earlier than last season.
The Bulls coach says having his Boks available from the outset has given his team a significant head start as they prepare to open their European campaign against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 2pm.
“In January, it was the first time we had them all in the same room,” Ackermann said. “Now it just feels better. It almost feels like the lost sons are back.”
“And when they come back in December after the November Tests, that transition will also be much easier. It’s a much better footing to be on.”
Like Stormers coach John Dobson, Ackermann has made it clear that the Champions Cup is a priority, with the Bulls determined to go deeper into the tournament after falling short last season.
“We didn’t win our home games last year against Bordeaux and Bristol, and we got only one win away from home,” he said.
“If we’d had another win, we could have played the round of 16 at home. If you can get three wins, that’s even better, but win your home games, and you give yourself a chance.
“That’s the first area we must improve. The second thing is keeping the squad healthy.
“I believe we’ve got the squad. If it stays healthy, we can get to the quarter-finals or semi-finals.”
The Bulls begin that quest with a reshuffled side against Stade Français, with Ackermann keen to allow several players to stake their claims.
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Giliomee earns first start as Bulls ring the changes for Stade Francais
Luan Giliomee makes his debut at fullback after joining the Bulls almost two weeks ago, while Sango Xamlashe, recruited from Griquas, also gets his chance.
“We wanted to give the guys an opportunity, so the front row is just a straight swap. Cobus Wiese has played off the bench a lot, so we opted to give him a starting opportunity,” Ackermann said.
“Marco van Staden hasn’t played much in the back row, and we feel it’s a position he is still very good at,” he added of the Springbok, who has also been covering hooker.
Handré Pollard starts at flyhalf, with Curwin Bosch moving to the bench, while Cheswill Jooste is rewarded for his patience after featuring as a replacement.
Ackermann was particularly encouraged by Xamlashe’s training performances and Giliomee’s quick adaptation to the Bulls’ systems.
The debutant will slot into an exciting back three alongside Jooste and Sebastian de Klerk, both of whom have shown their attacking threat.
“It’s a combination we would like to test and see what they can bring,” Ackermann said.
“It will be hot on Saturday (a high of 33 degrees is predicted), so we hope to tire Stade Français and then get these guys into space.”
The Bulls will be without Canan Moodie, who is following concussion protocols.
“Obviously Canan is an exceptional talent and fielding the high ball is one of his strengths, but Cheswill showed he can do the job and we know Sebastian is good in the air.
“Many forget that Cheswill is still 19 years old, and he must just back himself, which is something he sometimes tends not to do.
“But he is one of the most explosive guys our conditioning coaches have worked with. He jumps higher than any other guy, so he must just do it, and he will be fine.”
Bulls team to play Stade Français
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Cheswill Jooste, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw (c), 6 Marco van Staden, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alu Tshakweni. Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Stravino Jacobs, 23 Willie le Roux.
Luan Giliomee makes his debut at fullback after joining the Bulls almost two weeks ago, while Sango Xamlashe, recruited from Griquas, also gets his chance.
“We wanted to give the guys an opportunity, so the front row is just a straight swap. Cobus Wiese has played off the bench a lot, so we opted to give him a starting opportunity,” Ackermann said.
“Marco van Staden hasn’t played much in the back row, and we feel it’s a position he is still very good at,” he added of the Springbok, who has also been covering hooker.
Handré Pollard starts at flyhalf, with Curwin Bosch moving to the bench, while Cheswill Jooste is rewarded for his patience after featuring as a replacement.
Ackermann was particularly encouraged by Xamlashe’s training performances and Giliomee’s quick adaptation to the Bulls’ systems.
The debutant will slot into an exciting back three alongside Jooste and Sebastian de Klerk, both of whom have shown their attacking threat.
“It’s a combination we would like to test and see what they can bring,” Ackermann said.
“It will be hot on Saturday (a high of 33 degrees is predicted), so we hope to tire Stade Français and then get these guys into space.”
The Bulls will be without Canan Moodie, who is following concussion protocols.
“Obviously Canan is an exceptional talent and fielding the high ball is one of his strengths, but Cheswill showed he can do the job and we know Sebastian is good in the air.
“Many forget that Cheswill is still 19 years old, and he must just back himself, which is something he sometimes tends not to do.
“But he is one of the most explosive guys our conditioning coaches have worked with. He jumps higher than any other guy, so he must just do it, and he will be fine.”
Bulls team to play Stade Français
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Cheswill Jooste, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw (c), 6 Marco van Staden, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alu Tshakweni. Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Stravino Jacobs, 23 Willie le Roux.