Johan Ackermann reshapes Bulls backroom staff after losing streak

The Bulls have reacted to their poor performances in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup by sacking assistant coaches Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw.

The development was leaked on social media on Tuesday morning, with the Bulls set to confirm the move in a statement later in the afternoon.

Bekker (forwards) and Rossouw (backline) served under former head coach Jake White, who parted ways with the Pretoria-based franchise in July following a player revolt after comments he made following the URC final defeat to Leinster.

White was succeeded by Johan Ackermann, who initially retained the existing backroom staff.

The Bulls began their season in late September with home victories over the Ospreys and Leinster. They then went on tour and, while they recorded a spirited win against Connacht, they were outplayed by Ulster and the Glasgow Warriors.

The loss in Glasgow sparked a five-match losing streak, which included a disappointing home defeat to the Lions at Loftus Versfeld.

Last week, despite having most of their Springboks back in the squad, the Bulls suffered a defeat away to the Sharks after a last-quarter implosion.

The visitors appeared to be gaining ascendancy in the forwards and were on course for victory before losing their way.

After the 21-12 loss, a dejected Ackermann said: “We understand that our supporters feel let down, but sometimes you go through struggles for a reason. People who are struggling because they do not have work and do not have food keep on going, so how can we give up? We won’t, and I felt our players fought to the end.”

However, following reflection, Ackermann has decided to take decisive action, with the coaching shake-up allowing him to appoint assistants of his choosing.

The task ahead does not get any easier for the Bulls. Their next match is a daunting trip to Cape Town on January 3 to face an unbeaten Stormers side.

The Cape franchise will be fired up for the derby against their arch-rivals and will also be eager to sharpen their performance after an unconvincing showing against the Lions last week.

For long periods of that match, the Lions looked the better side as the Stormers’ game management faltered, despite a 34-27 victory.

That aspect is likely to be addressed by the return from a rest break of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.