Skosan: Ackers keeps us hungry

WING: LIONS SPEEDSTER IS LOVING LIFE AT ELLIS PARK

Young tyro praises coaching triumvirate at the franchise.

It was wing Courtnall Skosan’s try that ignited the courageous Lions fightback against the Highlanders at the weekend. But, said the speedster, coach Johan Ackermann knows how to keep them hungry, and their next Super Rugby challenge against the powerful Brumbies will also be a challenging one.

“When you pull that red jersey over your head, you know you have a big responsibility,” said Skosan.

“You have to act on the field and play well to keep the jersey for the next week, so it’s a tough competition between the guys. But it’s not a bad thing, it’s a healthy one – it spurs the guys on to be better and better every week.”

Skosan, 23, can’t talk enough about the environment Ackermann has created in tandem with his management team in backline coach Swys de Bruin and defence coach JP du Plooy.

“It’s amazing to play under coach Ackers, he gives us a lot of freedom to express ourselves on the field, and obviously the family vibe that everyone talks about is very true,” he said.

“There is not one guy you can say is not getting along with the rest of the group.”

After overcoming an ankle injury, Skosan said the focus is to keep performing in the remaining games against the Brumbies at home, the Cheetahs away, the Waratahs at home, and the Stormers away.

“It’s always good to be back in the team, I really enjoy being out there with the guys,” said the wing who left the Bulls in search of game time and got it at the Lions’ den.

At 89kg and 1.83m, Skosan is not one of the biggest wings in the business, but he is exceptional under the high ball, a sound defender, has a high work-rate and is one of the quickest around.

”Every week in Super Rugby is a challenge and facing some of the best guys in the world – it’s exciting times,” he said.

When you pull that red jersey on, you know you have a big reponsibility. Courtnall Skosan Lions wing