Bulls in the fight of their life to make URC playoffs, says Johan Ackermann

The Pretoria franchise got their campaign back on track with a comprehensive bonus point 40-7 victory over Cardiff on Friday night. After Connacht upset Ulster, the Bulls' win sees them tied with Connacht on 34 points in eighth place on the table.

But there are just ten points separating sixth from tenth on the table and Ackermann is aware that the Bulls likely need to win each of their remaining five fixtures to secure a top eight spot and a place in the quarterfinals.

"Every game is important," Ackermann told the press on Friday.

"We're just unfortunately in that situation now. We will fight to stay in the top eight with every game. If we don't get the result, we'll put ourselves in jeopardy. If we get it, we stay in touch.

"So every game is important now. If Munster win, they go up. If they don't, it doesn't matter. We just have to keep winning."

Speaking on the Bulls' superlative performance against Cardiff, the coach said he knew the Welsh side would struggle to play high-tempo rugby at altitude and heaped praise on his lighning-quick scrumhalf Embrose Papier for his man of the match performance.

"We knew if we could get a bit of space and up the tempo, they would struggle with the travel and the altitude, etc. And Embrose is so dangerous in that space," he added.

"He showed his speed and his class, and he made a turnover, contesting a breakdown. And his kicking was good. He had a good game, and it's good to have him back."

The Bulls host Munster in Pretoria next Saturday.