Ackermann hails Bosch debut as Bulls open URC campaign with bonus-point win

Head coach Johan Ackermann was particularly pleased with the contribution of flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who made his first URC appearance for the Pretoria side after recovering from a calf injury.

"I'm very pleased with Curwin's first [URC] game for the Bulls. For me, he controlled the game well, kicked very well out of hand, slotted all his goal kicks," Ackermann said.

"He hadn't played for a couple of weeks because of injury, but first game out, under pressure - it's a good base to work from and hopefully it just goes better as the season progresses."

Bosch's composure helped steady the visitors after a nervous opening, with the Bulls' preparation impacting their clash against the All Blacks in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. It showed early on as they struggled for accuracy against a determined Zebre side.

"The biggest thing that we take out is that we got away with the win, because last year, Zebre won their first two games at home," Ackermann said.

"We were nervous because we hadn't played a lot of warm-up games. There was only 40 minutes of game time in each player who played tonight, so we were nervous that we wouldn't be as good as we wanted to be.

"It showed in the first few minutes when we made some sloppy errors and that is what we need to correct because Munster will bring a different challenge."

The Bulls gradually found their rhythm and Ackermann identified clear areas for improvement ahead of next weekend's tougher assignment against Munster in Limerick.

“We must be accurate in those entries and exits in the 22; if we're not they will punish you,” he said.

"We weren't accurate in our passing game, so that's another fix, and then at the breakdown they made a fair bit of turnovers. But ultimately, after round one with not a lot of rugby under the belt, very pleased to get away with the win.

"There are a few knocks and bruises that need to be checked out. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

"The only concern is Mornay Smith. He twisted his ankle and we're a little bit nervous about the outcome of that and the extent of that injury. In the next day or so our medical staff will see what the extent is."

The result gives the Bulls a solid platform after a disrupted build-up, with Bosch providing a composed presence at 10 and the pack eventually dominating.