There is no margin for error, warns Ackermann
Lions must get back to winning ways and put pressure on Sharks for playoff spot
THE time for slip-ups is over! That’s the message Johan Ackermann has drummed into his players this week ahead of their crucial Super Rugby encounter with the Blues at Ellis Park tomorrow (kickoff 7.15pm).
Having had to walk around hurting for two long weeks after their 50-17 defeat by the Hurricanes last time out, Ackermann says the Lions have now got an opportunity to make matters right.
And how they need to do that, because the battle for top spot in the Africa 2 Conference is as tight as it gets. The Lions have 27 points, the Sharks have 26… and only the conference winner will automatically book a playoff spot.
“We can’t hide it… we’re all fighting for positions. The Sharks have basically the same points as us,” Ackermann said.
“What it boils down to is six games, three before the month-long (international) break and three afterwards. The time for slip-ups is over… we have to keep the pressure on the Sharks by winning this weekend.
“There is no place for excuses anymore. There is no margin for error. We’ve got a massive game ahead of us this weekend and we’ve got just as big games to come. I don’t want to look too far ahead, but if we want to be serious about staying in contention it’s got to happen for us against the Blues. We respect them… they’ve got a great team of game-breakers, they’re well-coached and they’re a good side, but we need to get our campaign back.”
The good news for the Lions is that flyhalf Elton Jantjies passed his fitness test yesterday and will wear the No 10 jersey tomorrow. Also, said Ackermann, the return to the side of front-rowers Julian Redelinghuys and Malcolm Marx was a timely boost.
“The bye weekend helped us in this regard because none of them would have been fit to play last weekend,” said the coach. “It certainly helps us having those three guys fully fit. Now as a team we need to go out there and perform.”
The other key changes from the Hurricanes game are in the backline where Ross Cronje starts ahead of Faf de Klerk and Rohan Janse van Rensburg swops places with Howard Mnisi. Ackermann said Cronje’s selection at scrumhalf would boost his side defensively.
“Ross plays a different game, but he brings a calmness to the team. Defensively he’s also very strong. We know what Faf can do from the bench… he’ll bring excitement and energy to the match at a time when we’re going to need it,” Ackermann said.
There will also be a debut for Sylvian Mahuza tomorrow, the outside back coming into the Super Rugby mix soon after joining from the Kings. “Sylvian played two very good Currie Cup games and showed some good touches in training last week,” said Ackermann. “He deserves his selection… he’s a star in the making if he uses his opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Blues boss Tana Umaga has been forced to make a change in his second row following the calf injury picked up by Josh Bekhuis against the Kings last week. Hoani Matenga comes into the side at lock, while All Black prop Charlie Faumuina also returns to the starting team after coming off the bench in Port Elizabeth. The backline is unchanged from last week.
Line-ups for Ellis Park
Lions: Jaco van der Walt, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Courtnal Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje, Warren Whiteley (capt), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Julian Redelinghuys, Malcolm Marx, Dylan Smith. Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Ackermann, Cyle Brink, Faf de Klerk, Howard Mnisi, Sylvian Mahuza
Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Melani Nanai, George Moala, Piers Francis, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall, Steven Luatua, Tanerau Latimer, Jerome Kaino, Hoani Matenga, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons (capt), Sam Prattley. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Nic Mayhew, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Kara Pryor, Joe Edwards, Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan, Male Sau