Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says Jan-Hendrik Wessels would have played against Glasgow on Friday night had he not been facing a lengthy ban. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The Bok front-rower has reportedly been suspended for nine weeks after a disciplinary committee found him guilty of foul play during the Bulls’ match against Connacht last week – despite a lack of conclusive video evidence.
The 24-year-old was accused of grabbing flank Josh Murphy’s genitals at a breakdown, which led to Murphy’s red card for retaliation.
The Pretoria-based franchise is expected to appeal the ruling.
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“There’s no news yet on Jan-Hendrik,” Ackermann told the media on Thursday, before confirming that the player was part of their plans for the URC clash at Scotstoun Stadium.
“He would have been in the squad, of course, but when the decision was made, we had to adapt,” Ackermann said. “That’s what a good squad does – you must be adaptable.
“This will test our character again. It’s an opportunity for other players to step up, like Etienne [Janneke], and it shows how quickly opportunities can come.”
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Friday night’s match is the final fixture of a three-match Bulls tour that began with a 28-7 loss to Ulster before a 28-27 win over Connacht.
The Bulls have made eight changes to their line-up, including the return of Bok lock Ruan Nortje – who will captain the team – and flanker Marcell Coetzee. As a result, Nama Xaba, who excelled against Connacht, drops down to the bench.
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“Our whole loose trio played well against Connacht, so it was a tough call,” Ackermann said. “That’s probably the hardest part for any coach – making those decisions when players have put their bodies on the line. Nama was outstanding, but bringing Marcell and Ruan in gives us a lot of leadership and experience.
“There’s also a bit of strategy behind it. We know we can lift the tempo in the second half with guys like JJ [Theron] and Nama. It’s a long season and we need to use the depth we have.”
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Ackermann said his side – which has conceded 18 tries in four matches – faces “a massive test” against a Warriors team that has lost just twice at home since December 2023, including a 26-19 defeat to the Bulls in April.
“Glasgow are a great side, full of confidence. There’s no bigger test than Glasgow away,” he added.
“We’ve worked hard on our defence – no one goes out wanting to concede tries. We review it every Monday, and I can see improvements each week.
“The key will be to meet them physically and play with heart. That’s a big part of defence.”
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The coach also gave an update on injury-prone flyhalf Johan Goosen, who is yet to play this season due to injury.
“Johan went back to South Africa last week. They’re still not happy with his calf, so he’s in rehab. We’ve got a break after this game, and hopefully he’ll be ready by the time we face the Lions [at Loftus on 29 November].”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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