Vodacom Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann reiterated on Friday that the team's recent struggles were due to basic errors (handling, breakdown, penalties) and a lack of finishing opportunities, not a lack of effort. The focus this week has been on accuracy and delivering an 80-minute performance.
He said the upcoming match against the unbeaten Stormers is a "massive challenge" against one of the best teams in the competition, and confirmed the team selected is the best team available.
“Yes, it is our best possible team.”
“Obviously, a player who can produce great rugby on any given day is Kurt-Lee, but he's still out with a concussion. Cameron Hanekom is also still out. Marcell still has a bit of a rib injury, and while we probably could have played him, we felt that Nizaam is playing well at the moment and covers different positions as well.”
“So it was a tough decision not to pick Marcell, but we're going into a big block of five games, and he'll definitely play a part. And then we're waiting on Kurt-Lee to pass his concussion protocols. I think it will only be maybe in two weeks' time at the earliest.”
“I am not certain what the delay is, because it's a bit technical. And then it's ongoing with Cameron's rehab with his hamstring. I think we've picked a team that we believe can do the job, and hopefully we've got a big challenge tomorrow to play the best side in the competition.”