Ackermann: 'They will bully you'

 

The Lions spoilt Naka Drotske and Os du Rant's Bloemfontein swan song as they ran riot to a 40-17 victory, however Ackermann told 702 talk radio that celebrations were not too big in the judicial capital as they prepare for the physical onslaught of the defending champions.

 

"It was enjoyable and relieving to pick up the victory, but there were a lot of sore bodies, and we have a big week ahead against the Waratahs, so we didn't go to wild," said Ackermann.

 

"We need the guys recovered for the week ahead of training."

 

Ackermann was particularly relieved as the Lions did not have to play catch-up rugby as they did successfully against the Highlanerd, but failed to do so against the Brumbies. 

 

"It was an easier half-time during the team talk," Ackermann jokingly said.

 

"The players played exceptionally well in the first-half, and things we lacked in previous weeks like quick possession, good line-outs and keeping ball through a number of phases, were better."

 

"Hopefully we can end the next couple of games on the same note."

 

The Lions mentor explained that it was still not the complete performance as his troops began to lose concentration late in the second-half, and this was illustrated through Robbie Coetzee's reckless and ridiculous tackle on Cheetahs wing Rayno Benjamin.

 

"The guys lost concentration so it wasn't that complete performance, but there were positives as well, so we will take that forward."

 

Ackermann has realised that the better the Lions are becoming, the tougher it becomes to win games. This may seem ironic, but opposition are starting prepare better for them as they are no longer a team opponents feel they can pitch up and walk four points past them. 

 

Ackermann believes this had a part to play in the Brumbies and Highlanders games. 

 

"The last two weeks the teams prepared better for us, they don't just pitch up to Johannesburg and think they going to take points."

 

"We will have to play at our best because teams will come prepared."

 

Looking forward to the game against the Tahs Ackermann knows his team will have to step-up physically to the Australian Conference leaders.

 

"We have to be physical, they blew the Crusaders away with their physicality, 

 

"The coach himself [Michael Cheika] is a big force and a guy who loves contact.

 

"They have this bully mentality, where they will physically bully you."

 

"It wil be one of our best victories if we can pull it through, but it is not going to come easy."