Ackers eyes Champions Cup semis
Winning your home games is non-negotiable if your team has Investec Champions Cup ambitions, according to Bulls coach Johan Ackermann.
The Bulls kick off their 2026-27 campaign against Stade Français at Loftus on Saturday.
Asked what it would take to go deep into the competition, notably beyond the round of 16, the former Springbok lock remarked on last season’s campaign, which saw them scrape into the playoffs despite stumbling at home.
“We didn’t win our home games last year [against Bordeaux Bègles and the Bristol Bears] and we got only one win away from home [against Pau],” he said. “If we’d had another win, we could have played the round of 16 at home.
“If you can get three wins, that’s even better, but win your home games and you give yourself a chance.
“That’s the first area we can hopefully improve.
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“The second thing is keeping the squad healthy, like it is at the moment,” he added.
“The tricky part last season was that a two-week tour became a four-week tour, because you play the last 16 and, if you win, you play the quarter-final straight after, and then you’re there for two URC games.
“We lost the round of 16 [against the Glasgow Warriors] but stayed [in the UK], because we didn’t want to travel back. If you can play at home, it makes it so much easier to progress in this competition.”
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Ackermann was adamant that the Bulls have the strength and the depth to get to the semi-finals at least – provided the players stay fit.
“I do believe we’ve got the squad. If it stays in the state it’s in now and stays healthy, we can get to the quarter-finals or semi-finals.”
He added that having the Springboks available from the start was also a massive boost and cited the example of URC champions Leinster as a team to emulate.
“They’re probably setting the bar. They came to South Africa for three weeks and brought 40-something players, even though they knew the Irish internationals wouldn’t play in the first week or two. They brought them because having everybody together is a big part of your team culture.
“We didn’t have that last year. In January it was the first time we had them all in the same room.
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“This year it just feels better. It was a tough week last week [ahead of the Lions match], and it almost feels like the lost sons are back. Because we worked with them last year already, it’s not the first time you meet the guy. He’s in your meeting, he catches up quickly, and now he’s played four or five games with you.
“When they come back in December after the November Tests, that transition will also be much easier. It’s a much better footing to be on. The only thing now is hopefully everybody stays healthy.”
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
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