{
  "id": 8622654,
  "title": "Ackers outlines Bulls’ plans for Bosch, Johannes and Giliomee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ackers-outlines-bulls-plans-for-bosch-johannes-and-giliomee",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T05:44:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/ackers-bulls-plans-curwin-bosch-keagan-johannes-luan-giliomee/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Head coach Johan Ackermann outlined the Bulls' plans for the upcoming season, focusing on the roles of new recruits Curwin Bosch, Keagan Johannes, and Luan Giliomee. Bosch will primarily play as a flyhalf, while Johannes will be the scrumhalf. However, the final decision on Giliomee's position as a flyhalf or fullback will depend on his performance with the Sharks.\n\nVlok Cilliers has joined the Bulls as a kicking coach, following a seven-year stint with the French national side. Former Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen retired due to injuries, and Handré Pollard may join the Springboks or take a break. Bosch, another former Springbok, is expected to take over the 10 jersey from Goosen.\n\nAckermann believes that Bosch can easily play at nine in Test matches, and he does not see him as a Test 10. Johannes, who played nine in the Bull's previous season, has proven himself at that position, and Ackermann expects him to challenge the nine spot. Giliomee will not join the Bulls until late October, after his contract with the Sharks expires.\n\nThe Bulls are pleased with Bosch's progress and hope he will be available for the URC opener against Zebre next Saturday. Giliomee's position remains undecided until they see him in training.",
  "summary": "Johan Ackermann has had to look at his backline in the wake of new recruits, departures and Vlok Cilliers joining as kicking coach.",
  "key_points": [
    "Johan Ackermann outlines Bulls' plans for Bosch, Johannes, and Giliomee.",
    "Bosch to play as flyhalf; Johannes as scrumhalf; Giliomee's position undecided.",
    "Vlok Cilliers joins as kicking coach; Goosen retired due to injuries."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Bulls' lineup is taking shape with new recruits slotted into key positions, potentially strengthening their squad and challenging for a top spot in the upcoming season.",
  "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."
}