The Bulls will kick off their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship account against Zebre in Parma on Saturday. Coach Johan Ackermann has cautioned his team against underestimating the Italians, who finished last in the tournament in the previous season and will be eager to start well at home. Ackermann emphasized that every team begins the new campaign on an equal footing, and Zebre will be excited to play in front of their home crowd.
The Bulls have had a challenging pre-season, with their Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks coming at a difficult time. The team also had limited opportunities to play warm-up matches, leaving Ackermann uncertain about his team's current standing. He noted that it's always challenging to assess the team's performance in the early weeks of the season, as some areas may be strong while others may need improvement.
Despite the uncertainty, the pre-season has provided opportunities for some players to stake their claims. With players unavailable due to Springbok duty or injury, Ackermann has had to look beyond his established combinations and give others a chance to shine. He expressed excitement about the team and the players getting the opportunity to prove themselves, and noted that rugby is about creating opportunities.
The Bulls' recent warm-up victory over the Stormers in Cape Town provided a valuable testing ground for the team. The match allowed Ackermann to try out new combinations, including Stravino Jacobs at inside centre, Ruben Groenewald and Juann Else at flyhalf and hooker respectively, and new signing Thaakir Abrahams on the wing. Ackermann described the match as a good hit-out from a rugby perspective, as well as an opportunity for the team to gel.
The Bulls have strengthened their squad with new signings, including Abrahams, Curwin Bosch, Hanro Liebenberg, Dylan Maart, Sango Xamlashe, and Hakeem Kunene. These additions have increased depth in various positions, creating fierce competition for places in the team. Ackermann noted that having quality players in each position allows for rotation and maintains the team's strength.
Last season, the Bulls took time to find their momentum, but their campaign gained pace with a notable away win against Munster in Limerick. Ackermann has urged his team to remain calm if the opening rounds do not go according to plan, as the squad has learned not to panic in such situations. For now, the focus is firmly on Zebre, and Ackermann has warned his team not to underestimate their opponents.
The Bulls will be without some of their established players due to Springbok duty or injury, but Ackermann is confident in his 24-man touring squad. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and new signings, and Ackermann is excited to see how they will perform against Zebre and Munster in the coming weeks. The team's priority is to start the season strongly and build momentum.
Key points
- The Bulls begin their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign against Zebre in Parma on Saturday.
- Coach Johan Ackermann has warned his team against underestimating Zebre, who finished last in the tournament in the previous season.
- The Bulls have strengthened their squad with new signings, increasing depth and competition for places in the team.
