Ackermann laments missed chances in Bulls’ second URC local derby defeat

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann cut a frustrated figure after his side once again let a winnable game slip through their fingers, going down to the Sharks 21-12 in a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash in Durban on Saturday.

The Pretoria outfit showed enough intent and control for large periods of the contest, but a familiar problem returned to haunt them — an inability to convert pressure and scoring opportunities into points.

That lack of execution proved costly as the home side rallied late, sparked by the impact of replacement scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse. His injection of pace and sharp decision-making created two decisive tries that swung the momentum firmly in his team’s favour and sealed another memorable victory over the Bulls.

For Ackermann and his coaching staff, the defeat was particularly galling because it followed a pattern that has become all too common in recent weeks. The Bulls have now gone five matches without a victory across all competitions, while Saturday’s loss marked their third consecutive defeat in the URC.

Each setback has carried a similar theme: encouraging phases undone by missed chances, lapses in concentration, or a failure to land the telling blow when on top.

“If you look at the game, both teams didn’t play the best rugby, there were a lot of mistakes,” Ackermann said.

“Ultimately, it boiled down to one or two decisions and that is where they saw the back space and finished well by scoring that try to take the game away. I can’t fault the players’ efforts, but there were too many mistakes, and we could not capitalise on the 12-7 lead we had.

“At the moment, it feels nothing is going our way. Every high ball, we didn’t get the bounce. The first intercept try of the Sharks, if the ball was a bit higher, we walk in on the other side, but their fullback makes a good read and gets a hand and goes and score. You can argue maybe a crossfield kick would’ve been better, but it is too late.

“That is the frustrating part, that we did not use our opportunities every time.”

Those concerns are magnified by what lies ahead.

The Bulls face an unbeaten Stormers side in Cape Town in a couple of weeks, a daunting assignment at any time, but especially so with confidence fragile and momentum elusive. With a crucial part of the season beginning from the 3rd of January, the Bulls know they must quickly address their shortcomings if they are to get their campaign back on track and reassert themselves as genuine contenders in the competition.

A couple of players picked up injuries against the Sharks and they will be assessed over the next few days. Influential fullback Willie le Roux hurt his calf, while utility forward Cobus Wiese injured his knee. Ackermann confirmed Cameron Hanekom won’t be available to face the Stormers, while there is uncertainty over winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, who is still following return-to-play protocols after a concussion picked up on Springboks duty.

Fellow Boks Canan Moodie and lock Ruan Nortjé will be available for the trip to Cape Town in the new year.