Johan Ackermann Opens Up on Bulls’ Difficult Week Ahead of Lions Clash
- Johan Ackermann has opened up on the difficult week that disrupted the Bulls’ preparations for their huge Lions clash
- The Bulls have made major changes for the Lions clash, but Ackermann has explained what made this week especially challenging
- Several Springboks are back for the Bulls, but the Lions could have an advantage after a difficult week in Pretoria
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Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has admitted that his team endured a difficult week as they prepare to face the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
The Bulls returned from Ireland after last weekend’s URC defeat to Munster, with the long journey followed by illness in the squad. Ackermann said the combination made preparations particularly challenging.
“It was a difficult week, I won’t lie about it,” Ackermann said, as reported by SA Rugby Magazine.
“The travelling [from Ireland] was quite taxing. There were long flights. Then a number of guys arrived sick and couldn’t train.”
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The match is scheduled for 13:30 at Loftus Versfeld.
Ackermann makes 10 changes for Lions showdown
Ackermann has responded by making 10 changes to his starting XV, with several Springboks returning after being unavailable during the opening rounds.
Hanro Liebenberg takes over as captain from Marcell Coetzee, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Reinhardt Ludwig and Stravino Jacobs also miss the match through illness.
Returning players include Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp and Cameron Hanekom. Handré Pollard, Elrigh Louw and Cobus Wiese are among the replacements.
Ackermann explained that selection was about balancing freshness with the quality of his returning stars.
“It’s difficult not to play them. It’s not like a guy coming back from injury who must work his way back into the team,” he said.
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Lions pose a serious test at Loftus
The Lions arrive in Pretoria after winning their opening two URC matches against Leinster and Ospreys. Ackermann, who previously coached the Lions, expects them to test the Bulls physically and attack at pace.
“They remain one of the most dangerous teams because they can dominate you at the set-piece,” he said.
“They can maul, they can scrum, but they can also attack out of nothing at any time.”
The Bulls therefore face a Lions side with momentum while simultaneously managing the effects of their European travel.
Ackermann expects the visitors to target that factor.
“I think they’ll want to play at a high tempo because they know we’ve just flown back, and they’ll want to use that to their advantage.”
The Bulls beat Zebre in Parma before losing to Munster in Limerick, leaving Saturday’s Jukskei derby as an important early test of their squad depth.
Ma’a Nonu issues challenge to Bulls, Lions and Stormers
Briefly News previously reported that the Bulls are preparing for a demanding URC clash, but their Champions Cup challenge will test them in a very different way.
All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu has now issued a strong message to South Africa’s Champions Cup representatives, questioning whether they have fully embraced the significance of competing against Europe’s elite.
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Source: Briefly News
