Johan Ackermann isn't hiding from the reality heading into Saturday's clash at Loftus — the Bulls are coming off a three-week break rather than the standard five-week pre-season window, and he thinks that lack of preparation time is exactly what exposed the Stormers and Sharks in their losses to the touring All Blacks. His expectation of Rennie's side is clear: high tempo, quick set-piece ball, and keep it alive for 80 minutes — a style Ackermann says mirrors what the Bulls themselves are building towards, even if they're not quite there yet. The rarity of the fixture adds another dimension; with the last meeting dating back to 1976, Ackermann acknowledged that for several of his players this may be a once-in-a-career opportunity, with Springbok selection implications adding further weight to the occasion.
Ackermann's honest assessment: Bulls are underprepared but relishing the All Blacks challenge
Ackermann flags the Bulls' condensed preparation as a genuine concern while outlining what he expects from Rennie's high-tempo All Blacks — and explains why the historic rarity of the fixture raises the stakes further for his squad.
Springbok Recall! Relive Phepsi Buthelezi's 2025/26 Season
#SharksRugby #PhepsiButhelezi #Springboks
Matthee 'never really been out of the team' as Stormers back him to fill Feinberg-Mngomezulu void against Leinster
Jurie Matthee starts at flyhalf for the Stormers in Saturday's URC semifinal against Leinster in Dublin after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury. Assistant coach Rito Hlungwani says Matthee's integration into the starting side will be seamless, pointing to his consistent involvement in training and a strong record when called upon, including man-of-the-match performances against Benetton in Treviso and the Bulls away. Wing Seabelo Senatla, concussed against Cardiff, also misses the trip.
Dobson: Kolbe returning to win trophies, not to wind down
John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has made a major financial sacrifice to return to the Stormers, motivated by winning trophies rather than winding down his career, while warning the franchise is close to its limit on high-profile signings.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.
The Lekker Rugby Pod: Has the URC Forged a Genuine SA-Ireland Rivalry?
Pat McCarry argues the URC has given the SA-Ireland rugby rivalry genuine club-level roots, with MVA predicting a Bulls-Stormers final at Loftus and McCarry warning the Lions and Connacht are the teams no one wants to face in the playoffs.