Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says his team’s first-half performance laid the platform for their 52-17 win at Ellis Park.
The Bulls scored four tries in the opening stanza to build a commanding 26-3 lead and never looked in danger of being caught by the Lions.
Ackermann said the Bulls’ ability to mix their game intelligently was crucial to the win which lifted them above the Lions and into seventh place on the Vodacom URC log.
“We wanted to mix it up a bit today and I think the boys got the balance right,” he said. “There were one or two opportunities out wide as well, but we felt the forwards were doing well, so we stuck to that.”
REPORT: Bulls leapfrog Lions after demolition derby
The Bulls controlled territory early, winning key aerial contests and forcing the Lions onto the back foot.
“The first few aerial contests went our way and those are fine margins,” Ackermann explained. “There were games in the past where it didn’t go our way, so you take the wins like that. I’m just proud of the effort because it takes a lot out of you to play the way we did.”
KEO: Ackerman’s rampant Bulls go on the charge against Lions
Ackermann had special praise for his halfbacks Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard, despite the Springbok flyhalf having a few shaky moments early on.
“Handre has come in for quite a bit of stick recently and he didn’t have the best start today, but he really grew into the game and in the second half was pulling the strings really nicely.
“It’s because of the kind of player he is and he’s hard on himself. The good thing about Handre is he doesn’t let mistakes make him negative.”
On Papier, Ackermann said: “He played a great 80 minutes. His kicking game was spot on today. It gave us the opportunity to contest those balls. Obviously, he’s also got a lot of speed if he gets a little bit of a sniff of a break.”
ALSO: Lions captain calls for accountability
Ackermann welcomed his side’s move into the top eight of the URC but urged caution.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but we’ve achieved nothing yet,” he said. “There are still a lot of quality teams to play. If we can keep enjoying what we’re doing and stay in touch, anything can happen.”
The match also carried deep personal significance for Ackermann, returning to Ellis Park as an opposing coach for the first time.
“I’ve got close ties with the Lions and always will,” he said. “Walking into this stadium brought back so many memories, but I’m with a new team now and I’m starting to build new relationships with those players. I wanted them to do well.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Ackers: Bulls got balance right appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.