Johan Ackermann hails Bulls effort despite imperfect start

The clash also marked Ackermann’s first competitive game in charge since his appointment two months ago.

While pleased with the result, Ackermann acknowledged that unforced errors prolonged a tighter contest than necessary.

"I thought our set pieces were decent, but we obviously made a lot of mistakes with and without the ball. 

"Pre-season was challenging because the 23 that played today, never played together before."

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Ackermann emphasised that the 23-man match-day squad had never played together before, due to injuries and the absence of several key players on Springbok duty.

He praised the group’s cohesion under pressure, saying that it’s reassuring to know he can trust the depth of his squad when national duty calls or injuries strike.

Though the Bulls were frustrated by some of referee Federico Vedovelli’s decisions, their scrum dominance and superior control in the second half proved decisive.

Ackermann singled out his forwards for laying a platform that allowed the backs to capitalize in the latter stages.

"Set pieces were an important part of the match, when we needed that penalty or had to score a try, the pack of forwards came through, although it required a team effort.

"It's a massive positive that our set piece was firing on the day."

Centre Jan Serfontein celebrated his return with a try, finishing off a well-timed supporting run.

His score came from a well-executed combination with returning lock Nicolas Janse van Rensburg.

Ackermann confirmed both players had missed parts of pre-season but recovered fully in time ahead of the opening clash.

The Bulls’ next outing in the URC is against defending champions Leinster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 4 October 2025.