Lions coach Johan Ackermann said they did not want to be judged on how they started the Super Rugby tournament‚ but on how they peaked at the business end. While he picked a strong match-day 23 with eight Springboks for their opening round match with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday ‚ Ackermann said it was all about what they need to do this year. Lionel Mapoe has been shifted to right wing while Ruan Combrinck recovers from a shoulder injury. Howard Mnisi will fill in for him at outside centre while Ruan Dreyer will deputise for the incapacitated Julian Redelinghuys. "You have to stay in the moment and not many teams are able to go through Super Rugby‚ especially with this format‚" Ackermann said. "There have been examples of teams who started badly, yet went on to win the tournament. The Hurricanes were the example last year that shows you can turn it around if you win plenty of matches on the trot." Ackermann’s side was on the receiving end of a 55-17 shellacking in the C...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.