Coach Johan Ackermann says missed opportunities and soft penalties cost the Vodacom Bulls in a 25-21 defeat to Glasgow in the Investec Champions Cup last 16.
Ackermann was quick to praise his players’ heart but admitted they let themselves down in key moments.
“First of all, I’m extremely proud of the players and the effort they put in,” he said.
“It was a challenging week, not as an excuse, but we had a lot of players players sick early in the week, and even yesterday and today, there were moments that we didn’t know if Harold [Vorster] or Handré [Pollard] were going to play.
“But the character they showed, the fight … I’m very proud. In tough conditions, we were not far from getting the victory.”
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The Bulls failed to capitalise on a promising start, with Ackermann highlighting poor execution and costly errors.
“We didn’t use all our opportunities in the 22,” he said.
“Unfortunately, a few of the kick-offs come to mind where we didn’t exit well and made mistakes.
“We also gave them soft entries through our discipline – offsides a few times – and that gave them territory and possession. Credit to them, they used it and scored.
“If we fix our discipline, we’re probably in the game a lot more. That was a big thing for us.”
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Ackermann also reflected on fine margins, particularly late in the match played in atrocious conditions with sleet and a strong gusting wind.
“Even the last kick-off, we wanted the ball to roll dead, but it didn’t. On an artificial pitch, it often does. It just didn’t go our way.”
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“I don’t think people realise how tough the conditions were, especially in the second half,” he added. “We were playing into a very strong wind. At one stage they kicked the ball and it rolled almost 70m.
“The players had to dig deep to stay in the fight. It’s easy to criticise from far, but those were tough conditions.
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“The defeat hurts but that competition is done. Now we turn our attention to the URC.”
The eighth-placed Bulls resume their campaign with match against the Dragons in Newport on 17 April.
Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
The post Ackers rues Bulls’ execution, indiscipline appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann lamented his side’s indiscipline and execution after their 25-21 Investec Champions Cup last-16 defeat to the Glasgow Warriors.
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