Akker urges Bulls to play with 'a smile on their faces'

AKKER van der Merwe will celebrate his 34th birthday next Tuesday, and enjoying the moment with the United Rugby Championship trophy would be a nice touch.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

In fact, the word enjoyment was the theme in many of the Bulls hooker’s answers when addressing the media this week ahead of Saturday's URC final against Leinster in Dublin.

That was in stark contrast to one of his nicknames, ‘Angry Warthog, which describes his usually aggressive, confrontational style of play.

Perhaps turning 34 next week has made him a bit more philosophical, but Van der Merwe - first name Armand, and older brother of Scotland wing Duhan - stated that the Bulls must avoid getting caught up in the occasion of the ‘Grand Final’ at Croke Park.

There might be over 50,000 Leinster fans in the 82,300-seater arena baying for the Bulls’ blood, but the visitors need to take it in their stride.

Maybe such a mindset will see them clinch a long-awaited URC title after losing in the 2022 and 2024 finals.

“Since the tour (where they beat Munster and Glasgow away), we have driven that a lot - just enjoying each other's company,” Van der Merwe said.

“We have developed a very good bond between the players, and everyone enjoys each other. So, I think that carries over to the field.