Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann lamented his team’s decision-making and inaccuracy after a costly 43-33 defeat to the Lions at Loftus on Saturday.
The Bulls scored five tries but repeatedly squandered scoring chances and handed the Lions momentum through soft turnovers and unforced errors.
The bonus-point win took the Lions above their Gauteng rivals on the Vodacom URC log.
“We have to take accountability,” Ackermann said. “There were moments where we did things well, but it was just too easy for them to get turnovers at crucial stages.
“We were probably our own worst enemy by trying to shift the ball to someone in a worse position instead of just carrying and recycling. We lost the ball in contact or forced a pass, and that’s how they scored their tries.”
REPORT: Lions break Loftus drought in 11-try thriller
Ackermann said the breakdown and decision-making under pressure were the biggest concerns.
“The breakdown is definitely something we have to look at, but more than that, we must look at our decision-making with the ball,” he said. “We didn’t finish our opportunities. In the first minute we were held up, they exited, and when they got one loose ball, they scored. That was the difference.”
The coach highlighted several momentum-swinging moments, including a knock-on on the Lions’ tryline shortly before the visitors countered to score.
“That’s the part that hurt us more – that we didn’t finish,” he said. “Every little mistake we made, we got punished. Credit to the Lions for that.”
Asked about leadership and composure, Ackermann admitted the Bulls’ game management faltered.
“Sometimes we ran when we should’ve kicked, and sometimes we kicked when we should’ve run,” he said. “When we did see the space, we didn’t finish. Our passing accuracy stopped momentum, and that’s why we looked disjointed at times.”
Ackermann said the response must be simple and uncompromising.
“We just have to fix it,” he stressed. “Individuals must work on their skills, and as a team we must put more emphasis on our carry and breakdown. If you lose, training is normally a bit harder – because you have to fix those things.”
KEO: SA sides must step up in Europe
The Bulls now shift focus to the Investec Champions Cup with a daunting opener against reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles at Loftus on Saturday.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Ackers: Bulls own worst enemy appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.