Ackermann's A-Team cut from Bok cloth
Many pundits expect the successful Lions coach, Ackermann, to put his own unique stamp on the A-Team, which may see them play a very different, expansive and entertaining brand of rugby.
However, Ackermann would rather ensure his players can smoothly slot into the Bok squad when they are called up.
After all, the A-Team is an extension of the Springbok team and are indeed on the fringe of selection for the senior national team.
While his time with the A-Team is limited – they only gets together in Bloemfontein on Saturday, ahead of games against England Saxons next Friday, June 10 (in Bloemfontein) and a week later (June 17) in George – Ackermann will do his best to implement as many of the chapters of the Bok playbook as he can.
"I would like to get that continuity [with the game plan and playing style from Springboks to SA A team]," Ackermann told a media briefing in Stellenbosch, where the Boks were preparing for their three-Test series against Ireland.
"Even for four days there's a lot of information," he said of his sting with Allister Coetzee and his coaching squad, adding: "SSo I'll try to cut it down to the basics.
"There will be players that will come down [from the Boks to the A-Team] and you want to make it as easy as possible."
Coetzee has indicated that by Tuesday four players from the Boks' 31-man squad will be released to Ackermann's A-Team, which consists of 23 players at present. That will even the squads out at 27 players each.
For that reason Ackermann will ensure that for the most part the same calls will be used by the A-Team that the Boks use.
"We will stay as close as possible to it," Ackermann said, adding: "Our [SA A team] time is a bit too limited to follow everything on every play sheet they have, but we will try and simplify it.
"However, I have already sat down with Johan [van Graan] about the line-out calls to ensure they are the same.
"If one or two players join us for game time, he can do the same plays and if somebody is called up [to the Boks] he will know what is going on."
The A-Team mentor said it is great for his players to know that they are not too far down the pecking order and close to Bok selection.
"However, he wants more regular top-class opposition for the A-Team.
"What I would like to see is when they do organise a tour for the SA A side, is that it is against top-rated opposition.
"I would prefer international A sides, not second rate or depleted club teams.
"The Saxons will certainly test us," he said, adding: "While the European Cup was ongoing, [England coach] Eddie [Jones] worked with that group.
"Those guys are on standby for the England squad that is going to Australia and we will have plenty of boxes to tick."
Ackermann was also expresser his pride in the hard work of the number of Lions players in the Bok squad – the second most of any team.
"It is a credit to the players for all the hard work over the last few years," Ackermann said.
"They look at home [at the Bok training camp] and are fitting in well – I am tremendously proud.
"A lot of these guys have stories to tell – they had hardships and disappointments in their lives.
"You can start with Warren [Whiteley], who didn't play Crave Week, didn't get a contract after school and didn't get a contract at the Sharks.
"Now he is the captain of the Lions and a Springbok.
"Look at Faf [Francois de Klerk], Julian [Redelinghuys] and all those guys.
"Somewhere along the line they had to overcome a major disappointment.
"It makes me very proud that they never gave up."
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
