Shades of 2007 Super Rugby final as Sharks and Bulls lock horns once more

When Bulls coach Johan Ackermann visits Kings Park on Saturday evening for his team’s United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter with the Sharks, he will have memories of one of the toughest times he has had in rugby.

And it will be a memory shared with his opposite number, JP Pietersen — the new coach of the Sharks. Ackermann and Pietersen were in the same Sharks team that contrived to lose the 2007 Super Rugby final that ultimately went the way of Victor Matfield’s Bulls.

Ackermann, ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash with the coastal side (6pm kick-off), says that game continues to haunt him.

“The 2007 Super Rugby final still sticks in my mind,” the Bulls coach said.

“That match was so intense and a fantastic spectacle in front of a sold-out Kings Park crowd. We thought we had won it with a minute to go, but everyone knows what happened… History had something different in store for us that day.”

History tells us that the Sharks imploded in the final minutes, allowing Bryan Habana to score the title-winning try.

Ackermann says that his experience on the Sharks team, coached by Dick Muir and John Plumtree, shapes his expectations for what to expect on Saturday evening, with a 6pm kick-off.

“I played with JP in that game, and now he is the coach of the Sharks,” Ackermann said. “Knowing JP, he is going to bring that passion and commitment, that playing for the badge and the supporters type of culture, that was what was so important for us in that era of the Sharks.

“So we know the Sharks are going to come out firing,” the Bulls coach continued. “Back then, one of our secrets was to use the humidity and the heat. Our goal was to make it count because we had the advantage of having trained in those conditions.

“That is what we expect from the Sharks — they will try and make us suffer in the heat,” Ackermann said.

“I know that, and our (Bulls) players must understand that we have to be mentally tough. Both teams will be talking about mental toughness, but at the end of the day, it comes down to both sets of players trying to execute their game plans as well as possible.”

The Bulls are under pressure after losing their last four matches across the URC and the Champions Cup — two in the URC and two in the Champions Cup.

“There is no bigger challenge than playing the Sharks at home in front of a sold-out stadium,” said Ackermann.

“That’s why we play this game. It’s a massive opportunity for us. They will take confidence from their win against Saracens, and they’ve gone for continuity in selection. They’re going to test us up front. Their set-piece is very good, they’ve got quality outside backs and an exceptional midfield with a lot of power.

“They’re also strong in the kicking game, so that’s one area where they’ll come and test us. We have to make sure we match them in the aerial battle, win those contests, or at least be in the fight.”

Ackermann was honest about the Bulls’ failure to capitalise on a strong start to the season — three wins in a row before hitting a losing sequence.

“We’re frustrated because of basic errors — the breakdown, handling errors, penalties, and yellow cards. We let our standards slip,” he said. “You can’t give top teams constant entries into your 22 and expect not to concede tries.

“This week has been about accuracy and making sure we put together a full 80-minute performance.”

Ackermann has made 11 changes to his team. Springbok props Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, flyhalf Handre Pollard, and fullback Willie le Roux all start, while utility front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels is set to make his return from a nine-week ban off the bench.

Ackermann is thrilled to have Wessels back.

“You can see he’s like a bull terrier — he just wants to get out there and do some damage. He hasn’t played for nine weeks, so match fitness will come with game time, but he’s a quality player and will slot in easily.”

Teams

Sharks XV

15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements:: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 George Whitehead.

Bulls XV

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Elrigh Louw (c), 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Devon Williams.