Cronje vital cog in Lions machine
DECISION-MAKING COULD BE DECISIVE Last year’s win against Crusaders in quarterfinals water under the bridge, declares coach Ackermann.
If there’s one player the Lions need to fire to stand a chance of winning the Super Rugby title against the Crusaders at Ellis Park on Saturday it would be their Springbok scrumhalf Ross Cronje.
The decision-making of 8, 9 and 10 is the backbone of a side, but it could only happen if their pack is on the front foot which is when Cronje’s sound options come into the picture.
“Ross is in exceptional form this year and hopefully it continues,” said Lions coach Johan Ackermann. “His calmness and decision-making was very good against the Hurricanes last week.
“Ross had a few snipes while his defence was great, a good allround performance and he was also my Man-of-the.Match.”
The Crusaders have laid the platform for their stellar season through their All Black-laden pack with props Owen Franks and Joe Moody, with Wyatt Crockett from the bench, as well as lock and captain Sam Whitelock a powerful threat.
“What we do know is that they are going to be very physical and will be into our faces defensively,” said Ackermann.
“But for us, the ability to adapt during the game if your original game plan doesn’t work will be essential.”
The Crusaders are also a reborn side under new coach Scott Robertson and will be eager to add an eighth title after a nineyear drought.
That’s why the Lions’ 42-25 win in the quarterfinals over the Crusaders at Ellis Park last year will have no significance, believes Ackermann.
“Both sides have changed, both have probably developed a bit more in certain areas, they are loaded with quality and showed it the entire season,” the coach added.
“And they have a rich history filtered with quality. It will boil down to 80 minutes. To refer back to last year’s quarterfinal is not really going to help us.
“Last year we managed to adapt and did it well until the final when we didn’t and of course there were extreme weather conditions.”