Lions playing for the jersey

 

The Johannesburg outfit won three out of their four games in Australasia, with a nail-biting 18-17 win against the Reds in Brisbane moving them up to tenth on the Super Rugby standings.

 

Having spent a year in the Super Rugby wilderness in 2013, Ackermann was forced to build a team without many stars, focusing instead on the team dynamic which he believes is now paying off.

 

"In the year out of Super Rugby we got some guys who had experienced setbacks in the past by not being selected where they come from and we had to create a balance between the team spirit and believing.

 

"The one thing I looked for was guys with character and I think we have got guys who are willing to work hard and enjoy each other's company," he said.

 

Despite not having many high-profile players, the Lions have shown already that they will be no pushovers this season.

 

"The individuals will obviously take the opportunity and become the exceptional players or stars but at this stage we are not a team of stars we are just a bunch of guys who are willing to play for each other and play for the jersey.

 

"We play for 80 minutes and hopefully the result will come, if it doesn't we have guys who are willing to work hard again the next week," he explained.

 

Although they do not have many Springboks in their squad, the Lions have been given the freedom to express themselves and play a less structured game than some other South African sides.

 

"We want to create a culture at the Lions to play a more attractive brand. I think it boils down to the team profile that we have got, we are not like the traditional South African sides with two metre loose forwards and big locks.

 

"We want to move the ball and create a more attractive brand, the guys enjoy having that freedom. 

 

"They like to have that decision-making in their hands, we give them a basic structure and plan but there are certain areas where they can express themselves," Ackermann added.