Coach Johan Ackerman believes Stavrotinos Jacobs can perform as a center for the Bulls

Bulls coach Johan Ackerman expressed satisfaction with the results of the game against Zebre, which ended 47:13 in Parma, but he emphasized that the team cannot become complacent.

Ackerman is aware that next week the Bulls will face a much tougher challenge against Munster in Limerick. Despite the Bulls fielding a weakened forward line due to the absence of several Springboks players, the victory was a positive start to their campaign.

The coach highly praised the performance of Kevin Bosch, who replaced Hendre Pollard at the flyhalf position and delivered a promising debut for the Bulls. Ackerman noted: 'It was his first game for the Bulls, and he controlled the game well.' He added that Bosch 'kicked very well and scored all his tries. He missed a couple of weeks due to an injury sustained against the All Blacks.'

Ackerman believes that starting the first match under pressure is a good foundation for the team's further development. He expressed hope that the situation will improve as the season progresses.

The coach acknowledged some nervousness before the game, especially after the Bulls' poor start last season when they lost to Ulster 28:7 in the opening match. He explained this by saying, 'The most important thing is that we were able to win. Last year is still in memory, so we were always nervous.'

Furthermore, Ackerman mentioned that the team has not played many friendly matches, and believing the players only played about 40 minutes in Parma, he admitted they felt some anxiety about potentially not meeting their expectations.

Zebre started aggressively, forcing the Bulls to show patience and resilience before the team could take control of the match. Ackerman called this a positive point, noting that 'against a strong opponent, in a difficult place after traveling, the guys showed a lot of fight in defense.' He also commented on the quality of the set-piece work: 'I think our outlaws were good. We won almost all our outlaws, except one in the corner.'

The coach was also pleased with the work of his 'tight five,' but pointed out the need to improve scrummaging. Ackerman stated: 'The tight five put in a lot of effort, but our scrummaging can be better.' He stressed that this is an important area for work because 'it won't always be a luxury to have a score like today, so this is something we can really improve.'

The Bulls team begins its 2026/27 season in the United Rugby Championship against Zebre in Italy. A tense confrontation is expected, especially considering Marco van Staden participated in the clash with Jampietro Ribaldi.

The opening match between Bulls and Zebre in Parma is scheduled for Saturday at 18:30. Johan Ackermann cautioned the team that the Italian side will be highly motivated to start the season with a win, as they finished last in the tournament last season.

Ackermann emphasized that all teams start a new season on equal footing. He noted: 'Zebre will be happy to start well at home and in front of their home crowd. For them, it is a new season.'

It is also a new season for the Bulls, although the pre-season preparation was not ideal. The series of matches against the All Blacks took place during a difficult period, and the Bulls had few opportunities to play friendly matches. Ackermann admitted that he is still unsure about his team's exact standing, stating: 'The first and second weeks are always difficult because you never know where you stand, what areas are good, and what are not.'

However, this uncertainty has opened up new opportunities. Due to player absences because of Springbok duties or injuries, Ackermann was forced to go beyond usual lineups and give other players a chance to prove themselves. He said: 'Rugby is about opportunities. I hope these players show they can play at this level, and we are glad that the team and players get this opportunity.'

A recent friendly victory over Stormers in Cape Town served as a testing ground. During this match, Stravino Jacobs played at inside centre, Ruben Groenewald and Juan Els were tested at flyhalf and hooker respectively, and new player Takir Abraham debuted on the wing. Ackermann commented: 'It was just a good rugby match, but we also used this week to become closer as a team.'

Abraham, Kurwin Bosch, Hanro Liebenberg, Dylan Mart, Sango Ksamlashe, and Hakim Kunene were added to the existing 15 Springboks squad. Ackermann noted: 'These guys bring depth in many positions, and there will be fierce competition for a spot in the squad. If you have quality in a position, it allows rotation and keeps the team strong.'

Last season, the Bulls spent time gaining momentum before their campaign accelerated, particularly during the away match in Limerick against Munster. Nevertheless, Ackermann urges calm if the first rounds do not go according to plan. 'The squad has learned not to panic if things don't go as we expected.'

Nevertheless, the main focus is now on Zebre. Ackermann concluded: 'The last thing we can do is underestimate how strong they will be in Parma.'