{
  "id": 9914091,
  "title": "Bulls out to extend perfect record against Zebre",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/bulls-out-to-extend-perfect-record-against-zebre",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T05:16:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/bulls-extend-perfect-record-zebre-urc-opening-weekend/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bulls, undefeated in their last five encounters with Zebre Parma, approach their inaugural United Rugby Championship match against the Italian side with cautious optimism. Head coach Johan Ackermann acknowledged the challenge of facing Zebre in front of a raucous home crowd, emphasizing the need to avoid underestimating their opponents. Several key Springboks have departed, including Ruan Nortjé, Wilco Louw, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while David Kriel has also left the team. However, new additions such as Curwin Bosch, Thaakir Abrahams, and Hanro Liebenberg are set to make an impact. With Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels unavailable for the Wallabies Test the following day, the Bulls must rely on their existing players to deliver a strong performance. Ackermann stressed the importance of a solid start to their tour, which includes grueling matches against Munster and the Lions. The team's focus remains on making an impression at this crucial away fixture.",
  "summary": "The Bulls have never beaten Zebre by less than 25 points - that margin held by their last away game (54-29 in 2023).",
  "key_points": [
    "Bulls aim to extend perfect record against Zebre",
    "Key Springboks depart, new players expected to impact",
    "Tournament includes challenging matches against Munster and Lions"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Bulls' strong recent record against Zebre Parma raises expectations, but departures of key players and a challenging away fixture demand a solid performance from existing squad members.",
  "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."
}