Bulls coach Johan Ackermann backed Stedman Gans to take his opportunity, along with other incoming players. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann admitted to some frustration at having to make several changes to his side following a strong tour of Europe. However, he said he has full faith in the players stepping in to grasp their opportunities in Saturday’s return derby against the Lions at Ellis Park (kick-off 2.30pm).
The Bullscome from a 26-24 win over Pau in France and their first-ever win against Edinburgh in Scotland (score 19-17). These were the Pretoria union’s first back-to-back wins since the opening two rounds of the URC. However, they face a tough assignment against afull-strength Lionsside at home, with several players unavailable following the demanding travel and injuries sustained on tour.
The Lionsbeat the Bulls 43-33in Pretoria in November, making this fixture all the more significant as the Bulls aim to climb from ninth on the URC log into a play-off spot. A win could see them leapfrog the Lions, who arefour points ahead of themin seventh. But utility backs Sebastian de Klerk and Cheswill Jooste (both HIA), and lock Ruan Nortjé (illness) joined the list of the injured, including Jan Serfontein, Akker van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Cameron Hanekom, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Gerhard Steenekamp, Sintu Manjezi, and Nama Xaba.
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Willie le Roux also misses out due to his Springbok resting protocol. However, Springbok forwards Elrigh Louw and Cobus Wiesereturn to the fold. Harold Vorster, Stedman Gans, Stravino Jacobs and Devon Williams all get opportunities in the backline.
Ackermann admitted he had wanted to keep continuity, and the changes were “not ideal for this game”. But he had faith in his players. “Unfortunately, there will be a change in continuity in certain positions,” he said.
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