Battered Bulls face brutal Sharks test as Ackerman searches for answers

A Bulls team still smarting from a Champions Cup drubbing in England will have no time to lick their wounds, as they brace for a high-stakes United Rugby Championship clash against the Sharks at a hostile Kings Park on Saturday (6pm kick-off).

A Bulls 'B-team' came unstuck in the second half against Northampton Saints and were walloped 50-5 at Franklin’s Gardens, heaping extra pressure on coach Johan Ackermann. The short turnaround between fixtures leaves the increasingly beleaguered coach little time to address the team’s shortcomings.

“We arrive back home on Tuesday, so we’ll have only Thursday and Friday to train before we fly down to Durban,” Ackermann said, in the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat. We’ll have to reassess.

"There are a lot of injuries and a lot of niggles in the team at the moment. We’ll have to see who’s fit, who’s ready to go, and then pick a team

“I think it’s more about getting the minds positive, getting the bodies healed up and full of energy, and then going to challenge a good Sharks side in Durban.

"If we can get through that game, we’ve got a week off and then it’s a big challenge against the Stormers, who are obviously in great form. It’s not an easy two weeks, but the only thing we can control now is getting 23 players fit and healthy.

“We’ve got at least three guys, who won’t be available next week, but I don’t want to speculate. We’ll see once we get the full medical report to determine who’s fit and ready to play.”

The Bulls slumped to a second consecutive defeat in the Champions Cup on Sunday, having lost their opener against Bordeaux at home with a full-strength team. Ackermann admits a major focus this week will be on cutting down the errors that proved costly against both Bordeaux and Saints, if they are to avoid a third loss in a row.

“We can only work on the errors, continue to put players in those situations, try things or work on a plan not to make those mistakes, and exit our half better. Then we must go and carry it out,” he said.

“Naturally, we won’t give up. It’s part of life. There are people fighting cancer, poverty and war. Losing isn’t nice, but it tests your character to see whether you will lie down or stand up.”

The Bulls will be hoping the return of several key players, rested for the demanding trip to the UK, will help them produce a strong performance at the home of their coastal rivals.

The Sharks, meanwhile, will be keen to build on their home 28-23 Champions Cup win over a tough Saracens side and get their stuttering URC campaign back on track in front of their supporters.