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BULLS TAKES FORTUNE IN INVESTEC CUP BUT TIGHT EDINBURGH MATCH LAYS AHEAD

Published: 2026-01-20 16:54:39 Last Updated: 2026-01-22 12:26:15

Even though the Vodacom Bulls entered the Investec Champions Cup playoffs through a back door, they won't be particularly intimidated by their Round of 16 opponent, the Glasgow Warriors, ahead of a crucial matchup in April when the league starts with the knockout stages.
However, a Bulls team still struggling under Johan Ackermann won't worry Glasgow under Franco Smith either. In addition to ending the Bulls' seven-game losing record since Johan Ackermann took over as coach, Friday night's tough victory over PAU gave them some confidence going into their next Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter against Edinburgh in Scotland.
The Bulls' victory over PAU was built on grit and determination, and it gave them another chance to show themselves that they can win away from home and that they can turn things around if they are committed to defence. However, it is still unclear whether this is a turning point for the team.
Because, let's face it, Friday night's defensive play was a step above what they have done so far this season and was essential to securing the win.
The team has been under a lot of strain because of their own performances, and the celebrations that followed demonstrated how much it meant to them. The Bulls players would have grinned at the draw to play Glasgow at Scotstoun, even though it was good news overall. An opponent they are familiar with, in a location they won under Jake White in April. They are aware that things could have turned out far worse for them.
Whether they advance or not, there remains the tantalising possibility of a quarterfinal in Cape Town if they prevail and the Stormers defeat Toulon of France. However, just 72 hours ago, even that scenario seemed like fiction. The Bulls' victory in France has given them a lifeline they can use if they regain some momentum in their season, even though we can argue over whether a team that has only won one of four games should be in the playoffs.
Their match versus Edinburgh is crucial because of this. The Bulls team will be familiar with Sean Everitt's team, which is currently in quite good form (despite this weekend's Champions Cup outcome). They offer an intriguing acid test for Ackermann's team to demonstrate that the victory in France was an indication that things are improving rather than an anomaly brought on by desperation.
Aside from the defending, there were other pivotal moments throughout the game. Cheswill Jooste, 19, has once again demonstrated that he is a player who must be on the pitch, while Sebastian de Klerk's transition to 13 was inspiring. As seen by his try that changed the outcome of the game on Friday night, the child is unique.

The Bulls received a lift off the bench when it mattered, thanks to the excellent selection, which included players like Marco van Staden, Nizaam Carr, Ruan Nortje, and others. However, because Canan Moodie has recovered from his concussion protocols, you can anticipate that the Bulls will bolster their squad before the Edinburgh match.

The crucial question will be if this victory, despite how desperate it was, would serve as a springboard for them to regain the form necessary to revive their URC season or if it was really an isolated incident and the issues still exist.

The Bulls undoubtedly needed the win, and nobody anticipates that they would become successful overnight and start winning again right away. However, wise choices, players who must stand up and be taken seriously, and Springboks who play with the fervour that merits that moniker can all be helpful. Even after the victory, Ackermann was not ecstatic since he knew there was still a lot of work to be done.

After the game, he stated, "The reality is that it is only one win." "In the United Rugby Championship, we will next play a formidable Edinburgh. Edinburgh has many international players and is among the top teams in the URC.

"As a team, we will celebrate the victory before starting over and concentrating on Edinburgh. Although it's just one victory, it's a positive move. There is nothing to get unduly enthusiastic about."

Ackermann will be drumming that home this week, and the Bulls are aware that they must support this and demonstrate that it wasn't an isolated incident. However, a victory over Edinburgh away from home will benefit his team, and although it won't be cause for celebration, it will give their supporters hope that they have turned things around and are on the right track.

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