Ackermann seeks more stability
ACKERMANN TINKERS WITH HIS LINE-UP Seven come in for clash against Boland at Ellis Park.
Golden Lions are out to strike a balance in their Currie Cup game against Boland Cavaliers.
The Golden Lions will be out to strike a balance in their gameplan after their opening two matches in the Currie Cup competition delivered contrasting results.
Facing Boland tonight at Ellis Park in their third match, the Lions will need to find the stability after thrashing the Pumas 68-26 in their first game but then found the going too tough in Kimberley, going down 30-24 to Griquas last weekend.
Boland have produced mixed results, losing their opening game 44-16 at home to one of the early competition favourites the Cheetahs, then beating the Kings 28-10 away, before succumbing 41-20 to the in-form Sharks in Wellington last weekend.
The return of the experienced duo of Andries Coetzee at fullback and Marnitz Boshoff at No 10 will no doubt provide the Lions with much needed calmness, but it’s up front where the Lions lost the battle last weekend.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann might have made wholesome changes this week, but he has always been an advocate of showing pride in the jersey, while taking the necessary ownership and giving the next player a chance if there’s non-deliverance.
No doubt the urgency and energy has to be rediscovered.
While the Lions were in disarray at the lineouts last week, the return of Martin Muller at lock will be welcomed. He will be joined by young Ruan Ackermann to provide the muscle and energy up front.
The loose-trio has been revamped with young Victor Sekekete getting a chance at blindside flank, accompanied by opensider Steph de Witt and the no-nonsense approach of Ruaan Lerm at No 8, where they will be required to create more clean ball at the breakdowns.
The Lions were forced to play too much rugby in their own half last week, while they failed to create quick and quality ball for speedsters like wing Anthony Volmink and captain Howard Mnisi to showcase their prowess.
Kick-off is at 7.10pm.