Ackermann: Keep the momentum going
The Lions have been playing phenomenally well this season, sweeping aside all that came before them.
However, they face the only team they haven't played yet this year – in defending champions Province – but Ackermann is not underestimating the team that beat them in last seasons Currie Cup Final.
"They are a well balanced team, with many game-breakers. We are definately going to be challenged on all levels," said Ackermann.
He wants the Lions to compete at the set-pieces because he sees that as an area of strength for Province.
"One thing that's going to be good about them, because it's like a part of their blood, is that they will be good defensively," added the coach.
" Their defensive structures are good. Their lineouts and scrums are good.
"I think we are in a better position than last year when Province was leading, and we had to chase them.
"This time around everything is in our own hands. We just want to tick certain boxes and play well."
Ackermann feels that his team does not have a great deal of pressure on them because of what they achieved during the season.
"They are probably the more desperate team because if they want a home semifinal then they have to win," he said.
"If the Bulls get a bonus point win then they [Province] also have to get one, so it's an interesting match that lies ahead."
The Lions need just two points to secure a home final, if they win their semifinal, but they will not be taking this game lightly.
"We will play the best team we have available and here and there we'll see if we can include a few young players – we'll try to maintain a league mindset," said Ackermann.
"We'll see where we stand after this weekend and then decide whether we going to play with our best team the following weekend [against Griquas], or perhaps we'll rest some players.
"At this stage we just want to see how it goes the weekend and then we'll start looking at the knockout games."
