Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has yet to decide whether discarded Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier will face the All Blacks.
The Bulls host the tourists at Loftus Versfeld on 15 August, marking the teams’ first meeting in 50 years.
With nine Bulls players included in Rassie Erasmus’ latest 43-man Springbok squad, Ackermann acknowledged that assembling a competitive side will be a major challenge.
“Although it’s a wonderful opportunity, in the bigger picture it’s not ideal for our pre-season and preparation for the United Rugby Championship,” he told Netwerk24.
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Of the Bulls’ Springbok contingent, only Papier has been released for the All Blacks tour match, although Ackermann indicated even his availability remains uncertain.
“Embrose is going to need a proper opportunity to rest at some stage,” he explained.
“We’ll probably only know in the week before the match whether any of our other Springboks will be released to play against the All Blacks.”
Ackermann said the Bulls would have to accelerate the preparations of several players who have either been resting or are still working through pre-season.
“You’ll have players who haven’t played for two months.”
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The challenge is compounded by the Bulls’ Currie Cup fixture against the Cheetahs the day after the All Blacks clash, forcing the Pretoria-based club to spread its resources.
“That means we need 46 players available that weekend, and it’s entirely possible one or two players could make their Bulls debut against the All Blacks,” said Ackermann.
“But we’re a proud union and a proud team, and we won’t make it easy for them.”
Photo: Kian Abdullah/Gallo Images
The post Ackers: Bulls might not pick Papier appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has yet to decide whether discarded Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier will face the All Blacks.
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