Overview
- Ackermann says his call to Rassie Erasmus was a routine request for independent oversight via the Springboks’ mobi-unit, with Felix Jones or even Duane Vermeulen offered for input rather than hands-on coaching.
- He criticized leaked coverage that portrayed the consultation as a crisis, calling it a standard exchange of ideas between professional coaches.
- Following a poor run, the Bulls dismissed Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw, appointed Neil de Bruin to lead the backs, and Ackermann will now coach the forwards himself.
- Defensive shortcomings prompted the outreach, with the Bulls conceding 30 tries in seven URC matches during a five-game losing streak.
- Ahead of the Stormers derby, Kurt-Lee Arendse remains in head-impact protocol and Cameron Hanekom continues hamstring rehab, while Marcell Coetzee is being eased back with Nizaam Carr and Jeandré Rudolph preferred.