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Chicago Bulls’ coach Johan Ackermann acknowledges that containing the numerous key players in the Stormers’ backline will be just one of the difficulties they face in Saturday’s fully booked United Rugby Championship match at Cape Town Stadium (6pm start).

Notable Bok stars such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse, and Warrick Gelant would pose a significant challenge for any team, let alone a Bulls side that’s currently having difficulties with its defensive setup.

“It’s going to be a significant challenge for us. That is one of their advantages,” Ackerman mentioned during Friday’s virtual press conference, where he announced his squad for the north-south derby against the leaders of the URC standings.

It’s not only because they have an excellent set piece or maul – we witnessed their performance during their tour against Benetton and those teams – but they also have individual players who can create something from nothing.

Clearly, we have focused on our defense and are aware of the situation, understanding that we must contain those people. However, on the day, that’s what matters, so we need to remain connected and stay alert.

The Bulls enter the derby eager to end a five-game losing run that has dropped them to 12th place in the URC table with 15 points from seven games. The Stormers have secured victories in all their matches, sitting at the top of the standings with 32 points.

Ackermann cautioned his team that they cannot tolerate a recurrence of the mistakes that have hindered their performance in recent matches.

We must not experience the same gentle moments we had against Bordeaux, and against the Sharks in the second half, once more. We need to ensure we cover every aspect and that everyone remains vigilant for the full 80 minutes.

The Bulls’ coach took a strong stance against media members he claimed exaggerated the union’s appeal for support from Springbok coaches, and his team must display similar determination during matches.

“It’s a significant challenge, of course, facing the top team in the competition that has been leading the way and has no vulnerabilities, in a stadium filled with enthusiastic fans,” Ackermann stated.

He has implemented several modifications to the team that suffered a defeat in their most recent URC encounter with the Sharks two weeks ago in Durban, adjusting both the forward and backline units. Lock Ruan Nortje comes back into the starting lineup and will reclaim the captaincy, passing the armband to Elrigh Louw, who previously guided the team in the Shark Tank.

Another shuffled loose trio sees Springbok utility forward Marco van Staden entering the starting team at No 6, with Jeandre Rudolph moving to No 8 to make room for this adjustment. In the backline, Canan Moodie is brought in as centre, bringing speed and an attacking presence, while Harold Vorster is replaced. At scrumhalf, Embrose Papier goes to the bench, and former Stormers halfback Paul de Wet is selected to start against his former team.

The Bulls still maintain a solid, seasoned group that might be vital in dealing with the Stormers’ many offensive dangers. Handré Pollard stays at flyhalf, Willie le Roux will take charge from fullback, and David Kriel continues to play a significant role in the middle of the field.

Initially, the entire Springbok front row consisting of Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Wilco Louw remains unchanged, and they aim to limit the powerful backs from receiving quick ball.

It’s a new year, so we’re really optimistic. It was the first time our entire team gathered for a meeting and could look each other in the eye and set plans, so it’s been a great week,” Ackermann said. “Obviously, it’s a big challenge facing a team that has proven they are the best in this competition, and we’re looking forward to it.