Bulls' high-risk game the big threat
Having been a predictable opponent for years, they now have more than just Plan A – brute force – in their arsenal.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann, speaking to rugby365 ahead of the big trans-Jukskei Currie Cup derby in Pretoria on Saturday, readily admitted that his table-topping team will have to be at their very best.
"They are playing great rugby," Ackermann said of a team that sits one point behind the Lions in second place on the standings.
"They are a team that is unbeaten and playing with confidence," he said, adding: "We will have to be on top of our game in all aspects."
Having been below their best in the last couple of rounds, the Lions will need to take a massive step up in terms of accuracy and also play with much more intensity.
"In our recent games, like against the Pumas [on August 28], we were not that good in the first half and then better after the break. The previous week against the Sharks it was the same story.
"We have to look at ourselves, clean up in our own backyard and improve our game considerably if we want to have any chance."
Ackermann said there is no doubt it is a massive game, arguably the match of the season, and the Lions will have to show "significant improvement" on their recent form.
Then they also have to deal with the Bulls' new gameplan, the variations they have brought into their game.
"They use their forwards and backs, it is no longer just the forwards charging round the corner," Ackermann told rugby365.
"The are using their wings a lot more and their back three now opt to counter, rather than kick the ball back.
"They do have players who tend to take more risks.
"They will test you in the line-out and with their mauls and they still have very strong set pieces."
Ackermann said there is no doubt it will be one of the better games, because it will be competitive in all aspects.
"There will be the excitement of the two backlines going head-to-head," he added.
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
