Johan Ackermann, the Vodacom Bulls' head coach, has emphasised the importance of consistency and clinical execution from his team in their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday at 14:30 (SA Time).
Ackermann, a former Lions coach himself, is focused on securing a crucial away win to climb the URC log and that anticipates a "highly physical battle" and a "massive challenge" to get a result at Ellis Park, especially given the Lions' 43-33 victory over the Bulls in November 2025.
Ackermann said various injuries leading up to the selection of the final team made the selection extremely difficult.
“It was a challenging week with a few players who were 50-50. There were instances where players were not available at the beginning of the week, could be considered later and then ultimately had to sit out.
“Someone like Canan was 50-50, and he trained with us, but he is still experiencing concussion symptoms here and there. Ruan Nortje returned from Scotland sick, and we gave him as long as possible a chance, but we couldn’t select him.”
“We wanted to maintain continuity as much as possible, but it was not in our control.”
“The number of injuries has upset our plans, but someone like Stedman is waiting for a long time for a starting chance, and so is Devon at fullback. We wanted to maintain greater continuity, but we have great confidence in the players who are coming in.”
Ackermann's comments ahead of his return to Ellis Park as an opposition coach focused on managing the game's intensity and learning from past results:
He expects the Lions to play their characteristic "fast game" and believes their "running team DNA" is still evident, making for an "entertaining game".
“We are playing against an established team that is confident after the previous result. The Lions are also playing at home.”