Johan Ackermann ranks Bulls' Glasgow comeback among career's greatest triumphs

The Bulls overturned a 21-3 deficit to stun Glasgow 22-21 at Murrayfield on Saturday, booking a place in the URC final against Leinster in Dublin and keeping alive their pursuit of a first title after three previous appearances in the decider.

"This must be right at the top," Ackermann said after the match.

"I'm actually lost for words. I couldn't believe we had won when the whistle went.

"We showed so much commitment tonight. I'm so proud of the team. It's a privilege to be part of this group, this occasion, and a comeback like that."

The Bulls appeared destined for elimination after Glasgow raced into a commanding lead, but a late first-half score reduced the deficit to 21-10 and provided a platform for the fightback.

"It would have been easy to panic after the first half, but the players stayed calm, trusted the process and kept believing," Ackermann said.

The turning point came during the interval, when senior players challenged the squad to keep fighting despite the scoreline.

"At half-time, a lot of the senior guys stood up and said we can't control the result, but we can control whether we go into our shell or not," he explained.

"I only asked for one thing: score the first try in the second half. If we score, it's 21-17 and then we're in the game."

The Bulls responded immediately, with Embrose Papier's try sparking belief as momentum swung decisively in their favour.

A dominant scrum, improved defence and the impact of the replacements helped the visitors keep Glasgow scoreless after the break while completing a remarkable turnaround.

"Our scrum was very good tonight, the forwards worked extremely hard," Ackermann said.

"I felt every player who came on from the bench made a difference. Credit even to the players who didn't play, who helped prepare the team and brought the energy."

The victory also avenged the Bulls' defeat to Glasgow in last season's URC final and carried extra significance given the quality of the opposition.

"The Warriors were really playing good rugby. Franco has built that team over four years, and they're a quality side," Ackermann said.

"That's why this is probably one of the best victories I've had. The character the guys showed was phenomenal."

Ackermann admitted reaching the final seemed unlikely earlier in the campaign when the Bulls endured a seven-match losing streak.

"And that's why this final will be very special for me personally," he said.

"But we haven't achieved anything yet."

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