‘We want to change our game up’: Bulls evolve tactics under Vlok Cilliers
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann said he hoped Vlok Cilliers would help the team achieve balance and execution in their kicking skill set.
The Bulls plan to refine their tactics for the upcoming season, according to head coach Johan Ackermann, without altering their core identity or strengths from the previous year. Ackermann's focus remains on achieving the right balance between running, kicking, and physical play. However, the team's losing streak last season prompted a coaching change, leading to the addition of Neil de Bruin as attack coach.
Vlok Cilliers has joined the Bulls as the new kicking coach, following a seven-year tenure with the French national team and previous work with Springbok players Derick Hougaard, Morné Steyn, Derick Hougaard, and Morné Steyn. Cilliers' role will be to implement the kicking strategy, which Ackermann emphasizes is not about completely overhauling the team's approach but rather making incremental improvements.
Ackermann acknowledges that while the team's profile has changed, they still aim to evolve their game plan. The Bulls have already made some additions to the squad, including former Springbok Kurt-Lee Arendse and David Kriel, as well as new signings Curwin Bosch and Luan Giliomee. Fullbacks Thaakir Abrahams, Hakeem Kunene, and wing Dylan Maart also join the team this season.
Ackermann confirmed that the Bulls have trained differently and tried new approaches, but time will tell whether these changes prove effective. He believes that Vlok Cilliers' experience and understanding of the Bulls' culture will be crucial in helping the team strike the right balance between maintaining their physical style and enhancing their skill set.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
