Johan Ackermann hits back at 'ridiculous' claims about Bok coaches at Bulls camp

It was confirmed by SA Rugby on Sunday that Springbok assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery, SA Rugby Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen and Head of Athletic Performance Andy Edwards will offer short-term support to the Bulls in a few specific technical areas.

Ackermann said he had discussed the matter personally with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus to clarify the nature of his request and ensure there was no misunderstanding about the timing or scope of any support.

He stressed that claims suggesting the Bok assistants would be assisting the Bulls during the build-up to this week's local URC derby against the Stormers are totally baseless.

"I never asked for that, and Rassie also said it wouldn't be ideal," Ackermann said. "The thought that they would be in camp this week is ridiculous, and I challenge any press photographer to get a picture of a Bok coach at Loftus this week - it was never our intention.

"The story was spread without the facts, and nobody bothered to speak to me. The truth is simple: I assessed everything and wanted a fresh pair of eyes to look at our defensive structures and bounce ideas off.

"I said, you've always made your team of coaches available, and I'd love it if someone like [coach] Jerry Flanerry could come in and look at our defensive systems and share some ideas. I don't expect the Bok coaches to put a plan together on how to win - that is my job as head coach. I have my own system; it was never my idea to secure plans."

Ackermann added that any collaboration would be rotational and not involve creating game plans.

"You can't expect the Bok coaches, one of whom lives in Ireland, to be at Loftus every week. I'd be happy if they rotated, which is where the idea of involving Duane Vermeulen and Felix Jones came in.

"I would never ask Rassie for game plans, merely a careful eye on what we are doing. This is about alignment and perspective, not about outsourcing our coaching."

On Monday, Stormers defence coach Norman Laker revealed that it was not unusual for the Bok coaches to provide their expertise to the local franchises, but that it's only done when teams play overseas opponents.

"They do come to us at times, but not when local derbies are being played," he said.

"It would be when we play Leicester Tigers or Harlequins. I'll contact Felix [Jones], and he will assist us with whatever he's capable of, and he's been phenomenal.

"Daan [Human] has been here at scrummaging sessions, and when Jacques [Nienaber] was still at the Boks, he used to visit our training sessions a lot.

"But that all fell out of this window; it only occurred when we played against overseas teams."

READ MORE: Bulls to receive Springbok coaching support under SA Rugby collaboration