Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is determined to challenge for both the URC and Investec Champions Cup titles this season.
Having interrupted their encouraging URC start with an opening-round Champions Cup win against Stade Français last week, the Bulls now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash against Ulster at Loftus.
But Ackermann insists they are targeting success in both competitions, unlike last season when circumstances conspired against them.
“Then there were different challenges from different areas,” he said. “We knew the Springbok squad would not be available until December, and we had a list of injuries.
“There are a few things that must fall into place, but ultimately I want to do well in both competitions, and if we can win both, even better.”
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He conceded that this was a major task, noting that only a few teams – he named Bordeaux Bègles, Toulouse and Leinster – could realistically chase down two major trophies.
“[The pressure] puts a lot of demands on you, especially at the back end. You play a quarter-final in one competition, a semi-final in the other, and then a final, and you have to back it up the week after.
“You have to reset everything. The celebration of winning has to turn into being hungry to win again. So winning both would be massive.”
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Ackermann agreed that Champions Cup success could ignite the competition among ambivalent SA fans.
“It would be massive for South Africa if any of the South African teams can do well in the Champions Cup.
“But the reality is that a lot of things must work out for you. You are playing the best teams in the world, away from home. You have to win your home games, and you also have to keep performing in the other competition.”
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is determined to challenge for both the URC and Investec Champions Cup titles this season.
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