LIONS UNCAGED

THE Lions might lack experience as they prepare for their return to Super Rugby, but the fact that youthful exuberance is something to draw from has not escaped coach Johan Ackermann.

He does not want his cubs to be weighed down by the sense of occasion, even if their fledgling careers depended on it.

“We have a group of young players and the last thing I want is a team gripped by fear – guys who don’t want to try certain things and don’t have a go. Hopefully, they will go out there and enjoy themselves,” Ackermann said.

It is with this in mind the coach will try and play to his team’s strength. The high tempo, at times helter-skelter game they played in last year ’ s Currie Cup will be in evidence again, albeit with a few modifications.

“I think the guys enjoy it. The players want to play exciting rugby. We will introduce one or two new things, but time will tell whether it will work for us.”

The last thing

I want is a team gripped

by fear