Ackermann to coach the Lions
iAfrica’s Jan de Koning reports that former Springbok lock Johan Ackermann has been entrusted with the unenviable task of taking over as head coach of the Lions.
It says that the forwards coach has been appointed as caretaker head coach in the place of suspended New Zealander John Mitchell.
This after the Golden Lions Rugby Union suspended Mitchell – following revelations that a group of players had presented a list of grievances to GLRU President Kevin de Klerk over the manner in which Mitchell treated players.
De Klerk initially said Ackermann and Kiwi Carlos Spencer, the backline mentor, would share the coaching duties.
However, on Monday the Lions boss told the players Ackermann would be the new coach and Spencer would remain in his role as backline coach.
Ackermann, in an exclusive interview with iAfrica, spoke of his “nervous anticipation” ahead of a new role that will see most of the key Lions decisions taken by him.
He admitted it would be a “huge challenge” to the entire squad – on and off the field – to remain focused as a group during these trying times.
“Obviously it is not just the change of coach, which is bad, since these are not the circumstances under which you want [to get] this job or get into this position,” Ackermann said.
He added that the uncertainty surrounding the Lions’ future – whether they would be playing Super Rugby in 2013 – was also contributing to the challenge of keeping the players focused.
“However, the players showed they can put these issues aside,” the new head coach said, adding: “Hopefully by the weekend all 22 players will be fully focused on the game [against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday].
“The [GLRU] President [Kevin de Klerk] spoke to the guys and we gave them a long weekend, so today [Monday] was the first day they were at a training session without John [Mitchell].
“There was uncertainty about what to expect, so that was a big adjustment.
“Hopefully by Thursday they are more settled and used to the changes [in the coaching set-up]. Hopefully we will be competitive this weekend and put up a good game [against the Stormers].”
However, the Lions have managed to get even more players injured during Super Rugby’s month-long break for the mid-year Tests.
Tighthead props CJ van der Linde and Pat Cilliers are likely to be ruled out for at least the first weekend of Super Rugby – a game against the Stormers, who lead the SA conference – due to groin and knee injuries respectively.
“We’ve lost Pat Cilliers and CJ van der Linde during training, on the same day. We are not sure how long they will be out for,” said Ackermann.
“We will make a final decision in the week, but it will definitely be touch and go, for both players. It is a big blow because they are two of our most experienced players and have been in good form for us.” — Rugby reporter, SportsCentral
Follow SportsCentral on Twitter