Ackermann’s next step to be revealed today

WHETHER Lions’ mentor Johan Ackermann will take up the opportunity to coach Gloucester later this year will be revealed today.

Ackermann is expected to move to Kingsholm where he is likely to have a big job on his hands in charge of the struggling team.

Gloucester impressively downed Cardiff Blues this weekend but they are struggling just below mid-table in the Premiership.

Ackermann can take up the offer in the comforting knowledge that his Lions are again contenders for a favourable playoff spot in Super Rugby.

“It looks like this season is going to go all the way again like last season into those last few weeks‚” Ackermann said after his side beat the Sharks 34-29 at Ellis Park on Saturday.

It took a bit of brilliance from substitute Kwagga Smith to break the deadlock as he sent Jaco Kriel on his way to a match-winning try.

It was, however, a game of limb-numbing intensity and it took his side a while to give as good as they got.

“You can’t shy away from that physical confrontation‚” Ackermann said.

“By being in that fight, the spaces open up. That was a great test for us.”

Captain Warren Whiteley thought the game tactically was like a test match.

“It wasn’t pretty. We weren’t at our best. It was a helluva game. It was tight with very good tactical kicking. I thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said.

As much as his team fronted up, Ackermann lauded their ability to stay calm.

He pointed to the small little decisions when they fell behind.

“Some teams would have kicked for the posts but Warren backed the line-out. I think those small moments were important‚” Ackermann said about the swing which saw the Lions score two converted tries either side of the break.

Whiteley said: “This is what’s going to make us grow as a side, when we have to fight and grind it out.”

The Lions have a bye this week and the coach feels it comes at the right time. There is much to absorb‚ much to improve.

“We have a lot of bumps and bruises. The guys are sore. If you look at what the Stormers did against the Cheetahs‚ it is going to be another huge challenge [for us in a fortnight].

“It is not going to get easier because after that we play the Jaguares and then we jump on a plane.”