Mental challenge awaits Lions

The Lions ran in seven tries to beat the Southern Kings 45-10, to solidify their place at the top of their conference. However, next up for the Lions is a tricky encounter against the Hurricanes, something Ackermann is looking forward to.

"[After their loss to the Chiefs] They [Hurricanes] will now target the next two games to not lose too much ground on the other New Zealand sides above them. So it will be a massive challenge for us.

"There is quality all over [in their side] and they are a very attack minded side with a good scrum. We will analyse them well, have a good enough plan and certainly bring our best to the game.

"This competition is both mentally and physically challenging, and we have to work on both to be up for the game and be ready for what they throw at us," Ackermann said.

Ackermann was not overly pleased with his side's performance against the Kings in Port Elizabeth and knows there is plenty to work on going forward.

"We have a massive amount of respect for what the Kings did, the really brought it. However, a bonus point victory is a good thing and was crucial for where we are right now [in the competition].

"The main challenge now is to mentally be in every match for the full 80 minutes, something we failed to do against the Kings," he added.