Province X-factor a concern for Lions

The Golden Lions may have comfortably outscored Western Province in the try-count, but it is the latter who rely more on their X-factor players.

This is the view of Lions coach Johan Ackermann, ahead of their trip to Cape Town for the Currie Cup Final at Newlands on Saturday.

In the league phase of the competition the Lions scored 50 tries and conceded 24, with their try-count in last week's 50-20 semifinal win over the Sharks being six for and three against – a total of 56-27 for the season.

Province scored 40 tries in their 10 league matches, while they conceded 23, with their semifinal count (a 31-23 win over the Blue Bulls) being three for and two against – 43-26 for the season.

"Western Province are not No.1 for nothing," Ackermann told rugby365 in an interview, as his team stepped up preparations for the tournament's showcase event.

He described WP as a "very balanced" team, although their backs do pose a major threat.

"They have those x-factor players in the backline, like [Seabelo] Senatla and [Cheslin] Kolbe, who brought a new dimension to their game," the Lions mentor said.

"They do rely a lot on their turnovers and they can certainly hurt you."

Ackermann said the key for his team is how they look after the ball and their discipline.

"There were a few times in the first half and for about 20 minutes in the second half [against the Sharks last week] where we slacked off and did not respect the ball – be that at the breakdown or with our handling," he told rugby365.

"We had the luxury of a lead and could afford a few of those lapses last week, but we won't get away with unnecessary mistakes this week."

With both teams having played positive rugby all season, Ackermann feels there will be opportunities in the Final.

"However, your margin for error is much smaller in a Final.

"We are up against a team that is very good at exploiting your mistakes."

By Jan de Koning

@King365ed