Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says they have the strength and depth to reach at least the semifinals of the Champions Cup, provided the players stay fit.

They kick off their campaign against Stade Français at Loftus tomorrow.

Ackermann has made ten changes after last week’s United Rugby Championship victory over the Lions.

He says winning home games is non-negotiable, while admitting Stade Français will provide a stern test.  

“If you analyse them, they bring totally different challenges. They're so unpredictable. They score tries from anywhere, line-outs anywhere. Um, they got a good set piece. They are just a dangerous side overall.

“So it's up to us to reset our whole mindset and to know that, you know, we have to earn the right again to win.”

🎙️ "Every match presents a new challenge. 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻!" Vodacom Bulls Head Coach Johan Ackermann emphasises that nothing is guaranteed as the team prepares for their Investec Champions Cup clash. 14h00 | Loftus Versfeld | Stade Français.

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) October 15, 2026

Junior Springbok star Luan Giliomee will start his Bulls’ career in the number 15 jersey against Stade Francais.

He replaces Bok veteran Willie le Roux, who drops to the bench.

Twenty-year-old Giliomee recently relocated to Pretoria after finishing his stint at the Sharks.

He forms the back triangle together with wingers Cheswill Jooste and Sebastian de Klerk.

Ackermann made ten changes to the squad from last week’s United Rugby Championship victory over the Lions.

This weekend will see the introduction of a new rule in the Champions Cup, with an attacking bonus point only awarded if a team scores three or more tries more than its opponents.

It was previously awarded for scoring four tries or more.

The governing body says this will hopefully encourage teams to maintain high standards for the full 80 minutes.