Ackers wary of a fired-up Bulls team

Rudolph Jacobs

The Lions are gearing themselves for a massive onslaught from the wounded Bulls in their trans-Jukskei Super Rugby derby at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Lions might be the pick of the local title aspiratants but they have just returned from a demanding three-week tour of Australia.

The Bulls have also shown huge improvement in their 17-10 defeat by the Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld last weekend.

“Any game in this competition is tough, especially another local derby,” cautioned Lions coach Johan Ackermann yesterday.

It is the Lions’ penultimate match before the June international window with a home fixture against the high-flying Kings still to come next Sunday.

Ackermann also believed the Bulls will be fired up after the wave of criticism they have been under recently.

“A team like the Bulls, who are under pressure, won’t be lacking any motivation and they will be a massive challenge,” said Ackermann.

Lions’ Springboks like flank Jaco Kriel (above), who missed the tour with a knee injury, and wing Ruan Combrinck who has just returned from a shoulder injury, will be assessed by the Lions medical staff this week.

But because of the challenges that go with a tour, Ackermann decided to give the squad the day off yesterday.

“Because we were off, we will look where we stand with Jaco and Commies.

“But I don’t believe Jaco will be ready for this weekend already,” he said.

Kriel was injured in the Lions’ narrow 24-21 win over the Jaguares at Ellis Park before they embarked on their tour to Australia and at the time was ruled out for a three-week period.

But he could return for next weekend’s Kings clash which could be just in time to be considered for the Bok group, due to be released by the end of the month. for the June French Tests.

Any game in this competition is tough, especially another local derby.

Johan Ackermann Lions coach