Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images A fiery Johan Ackermann has set the record straight on the involvement of some Springbok coaches in the Bulls camp over the next few weeks. Ahead of a massive north-south derby against the only unbeaten side in theUnited Rugby Championship(URC), Ackermann lambasted the media over reports on the story, accusing it of fuelling rumours and misrepresenting a routine coaching consultation.
Speaking bluntly at a media briefing on Friday, Ackermann made his frustration known with how the story first found its way into the public domain. “I’m actually very disappointed in the media for now only asking me the question (what the specific functions of the Bok coaches will be),” Ackermann said. “Everybody’s got my number.
I don’t know why you didn’t just call me.” The Bulls coach pushed back strongly against the narrative that outside assistance was a panic move given the current dip in form and lowly log position of last season’s finalists. “I need to assess if we aren’t perhaps feeling the pressure and missing stuff?” Ackermann then detailed how the engagement withSpringbok coach Rassie Erasmuscame about, describing it as a standard, professional exchange rather than the crisis it has been portrayed as. “That’s why I just phoned Rassie and said, ‘Listen, while your coaches are not doing anything at the moment’.
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Like I did with the Lions when I was there. It was clear that the Springbok coach has a mobi-unit and that mobi-unit is available (to whoever needs it), like the Sharks have done, like the Lions have done in the past.
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