Lions stick to winning formula
THE unfamiliar territory the Golden Lions find themselves in at the top of the Currie Cup points table has presented them with a fresh challenge.
Coach Johan Ackermann concedes their lofty position comes with expectation, a beast of which they have little experience.
“It brings new pressure. In Super Rugby we were always the underdogs, now suddenly people will tag us as favourites to win matches. There are too many rounds left to get excited,” Ackermann cautioned.
Counting chickens after just two rounds is desperately premature but the Lions have left the starting blocks like a bolt. They have run in 13 tries and their defence hasn’t been too shabby either.
They meet Western Province in a top-of-the-table clash at Newlands this weekend, with the added challenge of having to do so without their talismanic captain, Warren Whiteley, who has been called-up to play for the Boks.
“He is an inspiration for the players off the field as well. We are going to miss that but that is the one position where there is a lot of competition.
“A guy like Willie Britz is a specialist No 8 and I think he’ll come in there,” said Ackermann.
“Willie and Warren are similar in that they play off other players. Our combination, with two guys playing towards the ball and Willie as the link, is still correct.”
They may share those similarities but Whiteley brings blinding speed
Lions meet the Western Province with the added challenge of having to do so without their talismanic captain, Warren Whiteley
and is less likely to seek the embrace of a defender when the pop pass is an option. It has been his ability to link with those around him that has made for seamless quick-tempo interplay between backs and forwards.
“We like the way we play, it’s working for us. We had to adapt our team’s profile to the way we want to play. With the way we play we don’t need 115kg loosies; 2m, 120kg locks; or 130kg props. When we contracted over the last two years we ensured that players who came in fitted the profile we wanted.”
Even without Whiteley, Ackermann will have more to choose from, with wing Courtnal Skosan and centre Alwyn Hollenbach both declared fit. Although Hollenbach will bring experience, Ackermann is considering preserving the status quo in midfield.
“It is a fine line in terms of selection because Harold (Vorster) may be under-21 but he hasn’t done anything wrong in the last two weeks. This will be a big test for him away at Newlands.”