Tears guaranteed at Super Rugby final
WIN OR lose there will be bitter-sweet moments for the Lions immediately after the final whistle of the Super Rugby final at Ellis Park tomorrow.
The country awaits a domestic winner of the competition for the first time since the Bulls’ third triumph in the 2010 competition, as the Lions hope to go one better than their 20-3 defeat to the Hurricanes in the final in Wellington last year.
The Lions, in reaching the money game for the last two seasons, have played a brand of attractive rugby which has won them legions of fans.
Tomorrow, though, the man who has guided them from being a battling team four years ago to a contestant for the silverware in the world’s toughest provincial competition, Johann Ackermann, will be at the helm as coach for the last time.
The former lock forward, who made 13 appearances for the Springboks and at 37 was the oldest to play for the national team, is due to take up a new job with Gloucester in England.
But before then he’ll want one more big effort from his players.
They’re up against the seven-time champions, the Crusaders, from New Zealand – without doubt the most successful side in the history of the competition (they’ve also lost in four finals).
Ackermann said he knew the fans were desperate for a win against the
WHAT WE’VE DONE IN FOUR YEARS IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT, THE BROTHERHOOD
Crusaders, but for him the Lions had already achieved greatness.
“I know there will be a lot of emotions on Saturday and that if we win everyone will be happy and if we lose there will be sad faces. But I already respect the players, for the way they have supported me and the coaching team.
“What we’ve done in four years is what’s important, the brotherhood we’ve built, the love and care we have for each other… that is what is unbelievable and incredible. It doesn’t matter who is going away after the match and who is staying, we will always be together.”
THERE’S a Super Rugby trophy on the line – which potentially makes it the biggest day in Lions history – but all Johan Ackermann wants his players to do is enjoy the moment ... every moment.
They had an opportunity last year, but never really stood a chance in the wet and cold of Wellington as they went down to the Hurricanes 20-3, but are at home in dry Highveld conditions this time and in front of 62 000 passionate fans.
Awaiting them tomorrow are the seven-time champions, the Crusaders – the most successful team in Super Rugby history. One could say it’s David against Goliath.
“They’re a side full of All Blacks and they’ll punish every mistake,” said Lions boss Ackermann, facing the media for the last time before a big Super Rugby match before heading overseas next week to take up a position with Gloucester in England. “They’re a quality side, but all we can do is focus on ourselves and what we need to do.
“Some of the individuals would have learned a few things from the final last year, but this is going to be very different. Some of the Lions players now weren’t involved last year, the venue is different, and a lot bigger ... and the guys know they have one shot at it.
“All I can ask of them is to do everything they can for one more 80-minute performance and not have any regrets afterwards.”
Ackermann added his message would be simple. First and foremost he said, the players had to start better than they did in the semi-final of last week when, before they knew it, they were 22-3 down against the Hurricanes.
And then, “We can’t slip any box. We have to be good in the setpieces, in defence ... everywhere. But, most importantly, I want the players to play with freedom, I want them to express themselves ... and enjoy every moment.”
Ackermann added the fans could expect the same type of rugby the Lions have dished up for the past few seasons. “We’re not going to change anything now ... but we know we’re going to have to do the small things right first.
“And that is for every player to focus on what he has to do, make sure he fulfils his role and then to be switched on for the full 80 minutes or more ... and then hopefully we’ll get over the winning line.”
Captain Jaco Kriel echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We’ve got one shot at it ... there’s no coming back next week. The good news is we’re at home and we know the weather will be great.
“For many of these guys it’ll be the first time they play in front of a full Ellis Park so I want them to take it all in and enjoy it. But they are also going to have to be switched on and do their jobs. I think we learned that from the quarter-final (against the Sharks) and the semi.”
Ackermann has stuck with the same 23 players who have done duty since Super Rugby resumed after the June break for tomorrow.
Kickoff is tomorrow at 4pm.