Ackermann praises Lions defence in Currie Cup

Golden Lions Currie Cup coach Johan Ackermann has praised his team for their defensive work saying that it was one of their strong points in their 46-8 over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

The visitors bagged earned full points against a lacklustre home side and look set for a home semi-final later in the Currie Cup competition.

The Griquas, on the other hand, face the possibility of playing in the qualifying round next year as their season is turning for the worse.

The Lions, however, look determined, and not only on attack. According to Ackerman, it was his side’s good defence, especially in the second half, that impressed him in their victory over the struggling Kimberley-based side.

“Our defence was really good. The Griquas kept on attack and we really put in a collective effort, especially in the second half. The guys also played a good tempo and never let up.

“It is all hugely positive if you keep in mind that we are working [for] a place in the semis,” Ackerman said.

He also smiled about the fact that his side came away with a bonus point, a fact that will definitely help them to cement a home semi-final later in the competition.

“We are very happy with the bonus point and will definitely benefit from it, but we were focused on firstly winning the game and not on an easy bonus point.

“We got it in the end and are happy that we can leave Kimberley with five points,” he said.

Griquas’ coach Hawies Fourie was not happy with his side’s performance, especially as the pressure mounts on them to end the round-robin stage, at worst, in sixth place or better to make sure of their participation next year.

“Our defence just wasn’t up to scratch. We let too many tackles slip and that is something you can ill-afford against a team like the Lions.

“This puts even more pressure on us to stay in the competition. There are no positives to take out of this game. We will go back to square one and focus on our Currie Cup survival,” Fourie said.