Lions proud despite defeat
It all comes back to that trip to Argentina for the Lions.
Coach Johan Ackermann briefly mentioned it in the aftermath of the Hurricanes’ 20-3 victory in the Super Rugby final at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
Sitting top of the Super Rugby ladder with one round to play before the knockout stages, the Lions decided to rest their top side and send a ‘B’ team to play the Jaguares in Argentina.
When the Jaguares thumped the Lions, leaving the door open for the seventh placed Hurricanes to sneak top spot, the Lions lost home advantage.
That fact came back to bite the Lions, as they were tamed in terrible conditions.
‘‘We can probably debate the Jaguares game,’’ Ackermann said. ’’We should have been good enough to get a point [against the Jaguares], but we weren’t.’’
Ackermann doesn’t appear upset with his decision in that game. It’s just one of those things.
In the aftermath, the Lions played their best rugby of the season at home in knocking out the Crusaders and Highlanders in back to back weeks at Ellis Park.
In those games, giving the first XV a rest appeared to have worked.
‘‘You look at the knockout games that we played, that was our best rugby, so the fact that we couldn’t repeat it tonight, it’s one of those things,’’ Ackermann said.
‘‘If you asked me in January, will you play a final of Super Rugby even if it’s in Wellington, I’d take it with open hands and I’d take it again next year.’’
Captain Warren Whiteley said it was a tactical masterclass from Beauden Barrett which took the game away from the Lions.
Barrett’s had plenty of time to learn and understand the conditions at the Cake Tin. It shows when his kicking is on point, and Saturday was one of those nights.
‘‘Tactically they were a bit smarter than we were on the day and they made use of their opportunities,’’ Whiteley said.
‘‘Two mistakes from our side and they punished us. I’m still extremely proud of the team and the effort, and every single player.
‘‘They did absolutely everything they could in this game.’’
Ackermann agreed with Whiteley, saying Barrett was masterful.
‘‘I lost a final like that as a player where we dominated the game but we lost it, and today it was just two moments that took it away.
‘‘Credit to Beauden Barrett, I think he was exceptional. He controlled the game tactically so well, when to kick high, when to kick long, and obviously that’s where maybe they were more at ease with the conditions.
‘‘It was an amazing season. I’m very blessed with the group of players I’ve got.’’