The Bulls managed to gain crucial log points by defeating Ulster 34-26 in a tough United Rugby Championship match. However, the triumph came with significant drawbacks, as Springboks Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier joined a growing roster of players dealing with injuries.
During the second half at Loftus Versfeld, Flyhalf Pollard, Sango Xamlashe, and Cheswill Jooste sustained injuries. Separately, Papier had recently undergone surgery for an ankle issue, which will keep the scrumhalf sidelined for a period.
On Thursday, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann confirmed Papier's unavailability for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Ulster. The 29-year-old player, who was named SA URC Player of the Year, sustained his injury after being substituted onto the field during the Bulls' 56-20 Champions Cup victory over Stade Français.
Papier's absence necessitated that Paul de Wet and Zak Burger serve as the scrumhalf options for the Bulls. Meanwhile, Pollard was forced off in the 70th minute against Ulster due to a hamstring injury, and Jooste failed the required head injury assessment (HIA). Sango Xamlashe was carried off before the hour mark after suffering a concussion and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Following the match, Ackermann commented, “It’s our first game where we had a fair share of casualties.” He added, “The positive is that they are probably not muscular, or it’s not long-term stuff. It’s all head knocks, and it’s probably Handré’s that’s the bigger one. It’s a hamstring, and time will tell how long that’s going to be.”
The Bulls are also exercising caution regarding Springbok winger Canan Moodie, who suffered a concussion against the Lions two weeks prior. Although Moodie missed the initial Champions Cup round against Stade Français, he resumed training during the week; however, Ackermann stated he was not yet fit for competitive play.
Ackermann explained the cautious approach to Moodie’s recovery: “Canan has got a return-to-play protocol with his concussion. Because of his past, we are taking it a little bit easier, so we will take it week by week and see where he is.” He concluded, “He did well this week on his return, but we’ll reassess on Monday where he is.”
These injury problems compelled Ackermann to reorganize the backline, requiring De Wet to play on the wing. Despite these changes, captain Marcell Coetzee expressed satisfaction with the team's adaptability. “For most of the game our plan went well, in where and how we wanted to attack. We got one or two decisions or options wrong,” Coetzee remarked.
He continued, “But the boys did well in the first half and again early in the second, scoring from a drive exactly where we wanted to attack. There were some good adjustments, and everybody played their part despite the injuries.”
Coetzee himself was a key contributor to the win, scoring twice against his former club after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for several weeks. After receiving a yellow card from referee Ru Campbell, the captain appeared more perplexed than upset.
“It is what it is, and I’m disappointed because Ulster gathered a lot of momentum, though the boys did well to hold them out,” Coetzee stated. Nevertheless, he was thrilled to return to the pitch and lead the Bulls, especially as the pressure intensified late in the contest.
“First of all, I feel very blessed to play again and to captain the team,” he shared. “It’s so much easier with strong leaders around you. That came through in the last couple of minutes, when the pressure was on and the boys pulled together, including the final call to go for the penalty kick rather than give them a point.”
He attributed this success to team spirit: “That was backing from the leadership, because we know long-term what difference those points can make on the log. It was a compliment to the bravery of the team. It was also special to play against Ulster, a club I served for five years, and to show them respect with a performance.”
For Ackermann, the victory presented a mix of feelings. While the Bulls successfully secured the necessary points, the injuries sustained and the manner in which Ulster managed to re-enter the contest indicated areas needing improvement.
“It does challenge you [getting injuries] because you have to shift players into different positions,” he noted. “Paul had to play wing and so on, but that’s not an excuse. We prepare for that in the week, and it’s more a bit of mixed emotions where we got the victory, but we felt we hung in there.”
