Jan-Hendrik Wessels' ban to test Bulls' character, admits coach Johan Ackermann

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels was set to start against the Glasgow Warriors on Friday night, but Johan Ackermann had to pull him from the team after it emerged that he is facing a suspension for allegedly grabbing the genitals of a Connacht player last week.

Wessels faces a nine-match ban for his alleged part in an altercation with flank Josh Murphy at a ruck.

While the Bulls are expected to appeal the ruling — there is no television evidence to back up Murphy’s contention that he had been assaulted — it does not help the Bulls for their tour finale.

“There’s no news yet on Jan-Hendrik,” Ackermann said after naming a freshened-up team for the match that includes returning captain Ruan Nortje and former captain Marcell Coetzee.

“He would have played, of course, but when the decision was made, we had to adapt,” Ackermann said. “That’s what a good squad does — you must be adaptable.

“This will test our character again. It’s an opportunity for other players to step up, like Etienne (Janneke), and it shows how quickly opportunities can come.”

The Bulls began their tour with a disappointing 28-7 loss to Ulster in Belfast, although that loss can now be seen in the context of Ulster’s impressive win in Durban over a powerful Sharks lineup.

Last week, the Bulls got over the line 28-27 in Galway when Connacht missed a last-minute shot at goal.

Nortje, who was with Ackermann at the press conference, said the team would draw belief from their win in Glasgow earlier this year.

“We take confidence from our win here back in April,” the lanky lock said.

“We know that if we can step up and match Glasgow physically, that we are in with a chance.

“Our tour all comes down to Friday night. We need to ensure we get our mindset right and are ready for what is coming.

“For us, it’s about executing what we’ve been planning for this week and just being ready to show character and pitch up with the right mindset.

“We know they selected a quality side, and they’re going to want to run us off the park,” Nortje added.

This could be an issue for a Bulls team that has leaked 18 tries in their four URC matches, but Ackermann said his team had worked hard on fixing their defence.

“Glasgow are a champion side, full of confidence. There’s no bigger test than Glasgow away,” he added.

“We’ve worked hard on our defence — no one goes out wanting to concede tries. We review it every Monday, and I can see improvements each week.

“The key will be to meet them physically and play with heart. That’s a big part of defence.”

Ackermann has made eight changes, including dropping last week’s impressive flank Nama Xaba to the bench for Coetzee.

“Our whole loose trio played well against Connacht, so it was a tough call,” Ackermann said. “That’s probably the hardest part for any coach — making those decisions when players have put their bodies on the line. Nama was outstanding, but bringing Marcell and Ruan in gives us a lot of leadership and experience.

“There’s also a bit of strategy behind it. We know we can lift the tempo in the second half with guys like JJ (Theron) and Nama. It’s a long season, and we need to use the depth we have.”

Ackermann clarified the position with flyhalf Johan Goosen, who is still out injured.

“Johan went back to South Africa last week. They’re still not happy with his calf, so he’s in rehab. We’ve got a break after this game, and hopefully he’ll be ready by the time we face the Lions ( 29 November).”

Bulls team for Warriors

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Ruan Nortje (capt), 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Bench: 16 Juann Else, 17 Etienne Janneke, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 JJ Theron, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Kurt-Lee Arendse.