Coach delighted as Lions dig deep

WE SHOWED CALMNESS AND CHARACTER

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has lauded his team’s character after they kicked off their Super Rugby away leg with a bonus point victory against the Force in Perth last weekend.

However, Ackermann admitted the Lions’ 24-15 win hung in the balance until deep into the second half before they could manage their bonus point try through flyhalf Elton Jantjies in extra time.

Before last weekend the Lions had not been able to beat the Force in their last six games and had just one win from eight games.

“The Force had a lot to play for, I spoke to their coach afterwards and the last week or two they were really driven because of the possibility to be kicked out of the competition to prove a point,” he said.

“So it was always going to be tough, but it’s history now that we haven’t won over in Perth for the last few years. For me as coach and for the group it’s the first win.”

The Lions reported no serious injuries ahead of the second game against the Rebels on Saturday, although lock Andries Ferreira will be assessed after a knock to the head.

While the Lions paved the way with tries by centre Lionel Mapoe and wing Courtnall Skosan in the first half, the Force still only trailed 14-9 at the break.

Players on the bench like prop Johannes Jonker, lock Lourens Erasmus, scrumhalf Dillon Smit and centre Jacques Nel, who weren’t part of last year’s squad, helped to make history.

“We have to keep in mind the players showed a lot of character and calmness towards the end with only two points ahead at 17-15 to go with that lineout drive,” he said.

“To get the kick and again do the lineout drive to get the penalty and then to go with the last scrum for the bonus point and not just for the win, was great.”