Johan Ackermann calls on Bulls to use momentum from successful tour of Wales

The Bulls moved up to seventh in the URC standings with two wins and nine points from their tour of Wales after sending a full-strength squad to the British Isles chasing a spot in the playoffs.

They have two games remaining in the league phase of the competition against Zebre on 9 May and Benetton on 16 May, both at Loftus Versfeld, and Ackermann is targeting two more wins to secure their place in the quarter finals.

If other results go their way, two victories to round out the season may even secure them a home quarter-final, as they sit just two points behind Leinster in fourth place.

"The biggest positive and satisfaction after the tour is the fact that we're still in the hunt. We kept ourselves alive and our destiny is still in our own hands," Ackermann said after the win over Scarletts.

"The lineouts were good, bar one or two where our timing or throw was off, and the scrums were dominant, especially in the first half.

"Luckily, the call at the end went our way when the referee recognised the [scrum] dominance and gave us that penalty. That was crucial for us.

"We didn't play well over the 80 minutes. We were accurate, but not that accurate, and at times we were our own worst enemy, allowing them to exit easily or get points."

Early in the second half, the Bulls were reduced to 13 men after Stedman Gans and Francois Klopper were shown yellow cards and they conceded a try during that period as well.

"The boys showed a lot of character. Even with 13 players, we made good decisions, slowed the game down and managed it well.

"But we need to fix that because it puts you under tremendous pressure.

"It's been a tough four weeks away from home. For some players, with newborn children or who have just got married, it's mentally a challenge. You could see it a bit in our performance.

"We were under pressure on tour after losing to Glasgow. You can easily lose another match and then you're almost out of both competitions.

"It makes this a successful tour, but the job is not done."

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