Ackers asks new Bulls line-up to be at their best against Scarlets

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann asked his team to deliver their best performance in their upcoming United Rugby Championship clash against Scarlets at Loftus on Saturday, with 11 changes to the starting lineup. Three changes were due to injuries, with flyhalf Handré Pollard, wing Cheswill Jooste, and centre Sango Xamlashe all affected.

Curwin Bosch will take the No 10 role for Pollard, while Dylan Maart and Stravino Jacobs will partner in the wing positions. Stedman Gans will join the midfield. The coach also noted additional changes were due to squad rotation. Ackermann emphasized that the incoming players would bring standard and knowledge of the system. He also mentioned that having regular captain Marcell Coetzee on the bench provided reassurance, as his participation was not guaranteed due to a disciplinary issue.

Ackermann described Scarlets as a "tough nut to crack," noting their resilient spirit and ability to fight back from a 33-14 deficit to a 40-all draw in a recent match. The coach highlighted Scarlets' quality and the new coach Dwayne Peel's influence. Ackermann expressed expectations for a challenging game, stating they must perform at their best to avoid being punished.

The Bulls also confirmed the inclusion of six uncapped players from the Springbok squad, including De Klerk and Luan Giliomee. Coach Ackermann noted that Giliomee's development at the Sharks and junior level contributed to his selection, and the first-choice players would gain valuable experience while sharing it with their union.

New signing Kwagga Smith, currently recovering from injury, is expected to bolster the Bulls' squad, providing quality and experience while allowing coaches to manage player rest.