Johan Ackermann Spots All Blacks Weakness After Bulls’ 50–19 Defeat Ahead of Springboks Test
- Johan Ackermann has assessed the All Blacks after their big win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld
- The Bulls coach believes New Zealand’s attacking style could face a different test against South Africa
- Ackermann has also pointed to what the Springboks could take from the heavy defeat
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Johan Ackermann has given an honest assessment of the All Blacks after the Bulls suffered a 50–19 defeat at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 August 2026, warning that New Zealand could face problems when they meet the Springboks.
New Zealand produced an emphatic display in Pretoria, punishing mistakes and converting opportunities during the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash.
But Ackermann believes the All Blacks will encounter a tougher examination against Rassie Erasmus’ side at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August.
“The All Blacks maybe had the scoreboard luxury tonight to try a few things from deep in their own half that I don’t think they’ll get away with against the Springboks,” Ackermann told reporters.
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Springboks present a different challenge
New Zealand are set to encounter a far more settled South African side when the rivalry shifts to Test rugby.
Ackermann pointed to the Springboks’ match fitness, established combinations and experience as key differences from the Bulls side that faced the All Blacks in Pretoria.
“Obviously the Springboks are match-fit,” Ackermann said, highlighting the depth of experience within Rassie Erasmus’ squad.
He also believes New Zealand’s willingness to attack from deep could become a risk against South Africa. The All Blacks were able to take greater risks while holding a commanding advantage over the Bulls.
Ackermann suggested those same decisions could carry greater consequences against the Springboks, who are likely to apply more pressure when the sides meet at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
What the Springboks can learn
The Bulls’ heavy defeat could still provide valuable lessons for the Springboks ahead of their opening Test against New Zealand.
Ackermann believes South Africa can create scoring opportunities by holding onto possession and showing patience when attacking. He said the Bulls might have finished more chances had they remained calmer with the ball.
The experienced coach also expects the Springboks to study how New Zealand responded to pressure and identify opportunities to challenge their defensive structure.
“The Springboks will see that there are opportunities if you keep the ball in hand against the All Blacks,” Ackermann said.
His assessment comes as the Springboks prepare for the first Test of the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
Rassie Erasmus reveals why All Blacks series feels like World Cup knockouts
Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus has described the upcoming Springboks-All Blacks series as carrying the intensity of a Rugby World Cup knockout campaign.
With four Tests scheduled between the rivals, the Springboks coach has explained why the series presents a unique challenge for his side. His comments reveal just how seriously South Africa is approaching the long-awaited showdown.
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Source: Briefly News
