{
  "id": 1260387,
  "title": "Ackermann’s tips for the Springboks ahead of All Black Tests",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/ackermanns-tips-for-the-springboks-ahead-of-all-black-tests",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T11:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/bulls-tips-springboks-tests-all-blacks-greatest-rivalry/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bulls coach Johan Ackermann believes the Springboks could benefit from observing New Zealand's match against the Bulls prior to their first Test against the All Blacks on Saturday. The All Blacks secured a convincing 50-19 victory (eight tries to three) over the Bulls in Pretoria, with the game taking place at altitude, similar to Ellis Park where the Springboks will face them. This was the third warm-up game for New Zealand in eight days, including wins against the Stormers 38-21 and the Sharks 54-0. The All Blacks rotated players extensively during the matches, altering their captain in each game. Ackermann noted that the Bulls were under-prepared during the pre-season game and lacked defensive strength. However, he praised the Springboks' \"best heads in the rugby world\" and supported their ability to learn from the All Blacks' tactics. \"The All Blacks had scoreboard luxury to try a few things from deep in their own half that I don't think they will get away with against the Springboks,\" Ackermann said. \"That's the way they play sometimes. But they may find themselves in trouble with that.\" Ackermann also mentioned that the Springboks, being more match-fit, could capitalize on opportunities by keeping the ball in hand against the All Blacks. He stated that with a bit more patience with ball in hand, the Bulls might have finished more chances. Former Springbok and Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face New Zealand, the world's second-best team. Despite the scoreline, Coetzee and the Bulls learned valuable lessons, particularly in composure with ball in hand and balancing running and kicking. They will have a week off before returning to train for the URC, which starts late September.",
  "summary": "While the All Blacks took confidence from their win over the Bulls, the hosts saw areas the Springboks could exploit on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}