"Not an Excuse" – Johan Ackermann Reveals Illness Challenges and Tactical Errors Following Bulls' Champions Cup Exit

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann discusses the illness that hampered his squad and the tactical errors that led to a narrow 25-21 loss against Glasgow. Read more.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 6, 2026, 6:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Character Amidst a Medical Crisis

The Bulls’ departure from the Champions Cup was marked by a resilient performance in Scotland that almost defied a week of disrupted preparation. Head coach Johan Ackermann revealed post-match that several members of the touring party were struck down by illness in the days leading up to the Round of 16 clash. While Ackermann was adamant that these health struggles should not serve as an official excuse for the 25-21 defeat, he expressed immense pride in the "character and fight" displayed by a squad that was physically compromised.

Selection Uncertainty and Last-Minute Decisions

The tactical planning for the Glasgow encounter was thrown into disarray as late as Friday and Saturday morning. Ackermann admitted that the availability of veteran flyhalf Handré Pollard and center Harold Vorster remained in question until the final hours before kickoff. The fact that the Bulls were able to push Franco Smith’s clinical Warriors side to the final whistle—despite these preparation hurdles and the "atrocious" wet conditions—served as a testament to the team's depth and mental fortitude.

Discipline and Soft Entries Prove Decisive

While the illness was a significant backdrop, Ackermann was clinical in his assessment of why the Bulls failed to secure the win. He highlighted a lack of discipline as the primary catalyst for the defeat, noting that thirteen conceded penalties gave Glasgow the territory and possession they required to maintain pressure. Furthermore, poor restart exits provided the hosts with "soft entries" back into the Bulls' half, undoing much of the hard work the visitors put into their defensive sets.