Lions roar even louder now
Ackermann reckons narrow victory over top-notch Highlanders was best display of year
LIONS boss Johan Ackermann has hailed his side’s come-from-behind win against the Highlanders as one of the best results his team have achieved this year.
The Lions turned around a 20-3 deficit to triumph 28-23 against one of the leading teams in the competition at Ellis Park on Saturday. The victory means the Lions are still in with a shout of making the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time.
“To come back like we did against one of the top teams in the competition, a side with a lot of creativity, and considering the kind of players in their team, this result is right up there,” said a delighted Ackermann.
“It’s one of the best results we’ve had (this year). Considering the way they played against the Sharks the week before all I can say is I’m very proud of the guys.” The Highlanders had smashed the Sharks in Dunedin the previous week, while the Lions lost to the Bulls at Loftus.
Three second half tries, to go with the accurate goalkicking of Elton Jantjies, swung the game in the Lions’ favour in the second half.
“The message to the players at half-time was clear – we needed to score inside the first 10 minutes to get to within 10 points of the Highlanders and we did that (courtesy of Courtnall Skosan’s converted try) and the players were told to simply forget about the first half, to make the score 0-0 again. We had to win the second half and we did,” said Ackermann.
The first half showing left much to be desired though; the Lions’ line-out being particularly poor, while they also lost the battle at the breakdown.
“We couldn’t build any pressure and the Highlanders capitalised on our mistakes. Defensively we also made a few mistakes, but all credit to the players – they really responded after the break and we got the impact from the replacements we were looking for,” said Ackermann.
Indeed. The introduction of Jantjies and especially scrumhalf Faf de Klerk got the Lions onto the front foot and they simply played the visitors off the park. “There was a greater urgency in our play after half-time and the fact that we scored some points brought us back into the contest,” said Ackermann.
“We knew they’d be tired and they even admitted as much afterwards.”
Highlanders skipper Ben Smith said the thin Highveld air had hurt his side. “The altitude factor played a part, and it’s something we’re simply going to have to adjust to.
“But credit to the Lions, they put us under a lot of pressure in the second half and deserved their win.”
Visiting coach Jamie Joseph was also full of praise for the Lions. “Johan (Ackermann) and his coaching team have done a really good job, they’re a bloody good side and don’t get enough credit.”
The Lions have four games remaining and according to captain Warren Whiteley they’ll be striving to finally put an 80-minute performance together. “We know that when we stick to our structure we can be competitive against any team in this competition,” he said.
“We’re still not playing to our full potential and soft moments in matches are costing us. We have to keep working hard, keep striving to produce a full 80-minute performance. We’re going to have to show more composure though, but also be more accurate in executing our plans.”
Next up for the Lions are the Brumbies, who’ll visit Ellis Park this coming weekend.