Bulls Coach Johan Ackermann Demands Referee Clarity After Unconvincing Win Over Ulster

• Johan Ackermann wants answers after several decisions left the Bulls coach questioning consistency at Loftus Versfeld
• The Pretoria side survived a spirited Ulster comeback after building a commanding first-half advantage
• The Bulls coach also admitted his team must address a recurring problem that threatened their victory

The Bulls secured a 34-26 win over Ulster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Saturday, 24 October 2026, but coach Johan Ackermann left seeking answers from the match officials. The Pretoria side had led comfortably before allowing their Irish visitors back into contention.

Ackermann questioned several decisions made by Scottish referee Ru Campbell, particularly at the scrums and breakdowns. However, he also acknowledged that his players contributed to the tense finish through poor discipline and execution.

Johan Ackermann questions Bulls vs Ulster refereeing

“There’s a lot of clarity we need from the referee’s side,” Ackermann told reporters after the match.

He explained that certain decisions had affected scoring opportunities, possession and territory. The Bulls coach added that some incidents had fallen into what he described as “grey” areas.

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One flashpoint involved Elrigh Louw being penalised at the breakdown after Cheswill Jooste had been tackled. Ackermann believed Jooste had released the ball before getting back up to continue playing.

“Technically, that was perfect; Cheswill released the ball, got up and went again, but Elrigh got penalised,” he said, according to Rugby365.

Ackermann confirmed that the Bulls’ technical analyst, John-William Meyer, had documented incidents the team wanted clarified.

Bulls nearly surrender commanding lead

The Bulls led 21-7 at half-time after tries from captain Marcell Coetzee, who scored twice, and Louw.

Ulster responded strongly after the break, scoring three second-half tries to keep the home side under pressure. Johan Grobbelaar’s try helped the Bulls regain breathing room before Stuart McCloskey reduced the deficit again.

Curwin Bosch’s late penalty ultimately secured the eight-point victory.

Ackermann admits Bulls must improve

Despite questioning the officiating, Ackermann accepted responsibility for his team's performance.

“At 21-0, we probably have to be much better,” he said, pointing to inaccurate execution and poor discipline.

He added that the Bulls needed to improve their starts to second halves. The victory earned them five log points, but Ackermann's comments highlighted areas requiring attention before their next URC fixture.

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The Bulls left Loftus Versfeld with the result they wanted, but Ackermann's call for consistent officiating and his team's second-half shortcomings remain important talking points.

Embrose Papier injury adds to Bulls’ selection concerns

Briefly News previously reported that Bulls coach Johan Ackermann had confirmed disappointing news about Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier ahead of the clash against Ulster at Loftus Versfeld.

Papier underwent ankle surgery after being injured during the Bulls’ 56-20 victory over Stade Français on 17 October 2026. His absence left Paul de Wet and Zak Burger as the scrumhalf options for the match, while new signing Dylan Maart was also in line to make his Bulls debut.

Source: Briefly News