Johan Ackermann has lambasted the media for their coverage regarding the involvement of Springboks coaches in the Bulls set-up over the next few weeks.
It comes after there was criticism over the decision to allow four national team coaches to help out at the Bulls following the Pretoria outfit’s poor start to the season.
Felix Jones, Duane Vermeulen, Jerry Flannery and Andy Edwards have been given permission to aid Ackermann after two of his coaches, Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw, were axed.
Last weekend, a well-connected rugby account, Oom Rugby, broke the news of the involvement of the Springboks coaches at the Bulls and Ackermann expressed his disappointment that he was not contacted by the media for clarity on the story.
‘Very disappointed in the media’
“I am very disappointed in the media, for only now asking the question,” he said on Friday during the Bulls’ team announcement for their clash against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
“It is funny how you guys run with the stories that social media spreads. Everybody jumped on the wagon, started rumours and then it became a whole thing.
“Maybe it’s a way to sell more tickets, get the game more spicy. I don’t know why you guys did it. Everybody’s got my number. I don’t know why you didn’t just call me.”
The Bulls are currently on a five-match losing streak in all competitions and Ackermann explained that his side’s poor defence prompted him to contact Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus to request assistance.
“Everybody makes this issue about us missing tackles and conceding five tries [per match],” he said. “If all the ‘coaches’ out there are typing messages and commenting on it, then I must ensure we are addressing the right stuff.
“Are we feeling the pressure and maybe missing stuff?
Conversation with Rassie Erasmus
“I phoned Rassie and said: ‘Listen, while your coaches are not doing anything at the moment’. Like I did with the Lions when I was there.
“It was clear that the Springbok coach has a mobi-unit and that mobi-unit is available [to whoever needs it], like the Sharks have done, as the Lions have done in the past.
“When the Springboks trained for two weeks at the Johannesburg Stadium, they had free access to watch all the Bok training sessions, meet with the coaches, sharing ideas.
“Now, all of a sudden, it’s this big issue only because somebody who doesn’t know what he’s talking about leaked this thing.”
Ackermann said it was not unusual to bring in outside coaches and believes it will be a good thing to that the Springboks assistants come in to identify some of the issues which have caused problems for the Bulls so far this season.
“Coaches speak to each other and share ideas. That’s the reality,” explained Ackermann. “If you think you know everything, you’re on the wrong path.”
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READ MORE: Bulls: Johan Ackermann gives clarity on request for input from Springboks coaches