Several Wallaby stars are set to return to the Reds line-up to bolster the ailing former champions against the Lions on Friday, but it will be the mental strength of the tourists that will be challenged the most over the 80 minutes, says coach Johan Ackermann.
The Lions are upbeat ahead of their round seven Super Rugby game in Brisbane, having picked up a second win on the road against the Rebels in Melbourne last week. But it’s now week four of their tour and Ackermann feels his team need to step up mentally if they’re to have a chance of making it three wins abroad.
“The belief (that we can win) is there, but the mental challenge this week is big,” said Ackermann from Brisbane. “We’re going into our seventh week and we’ve yet to have a break and it’s our final week on tour.
“If we can forget about climbing on the plane and getting back home and stay focused for the 80 minutes then maybe we will have a chance of making it three wins on tour.”
The Reds have again been one of the major flops of the competition, winning just once in five outings. Ackermann though says one shouldn’t read anything into past results, especially because the Reds are to be boosted by the return this week of James O’Connor, Quade Cooper, Greg Holmes, Lachie Turner, Ben Daley, Beau Robinson and Samu Kerevi.
“We can’t take too much notice of their performances. They’ve played some good rugby and made silly mistakes. Also, they’ve had a lot of injuries. But for our game they’ve got six Wallabies coming back from injury and, like I’ve said before, the log means nothing at this stage. Any team is capable of beating another.”
Somewhat surprisingly Ackermann has again opted to change his team; this despite the side winning in Melbourne last weekend. “I’m very proud of what the guys have achieved. They showed great character last week and the leadership all round was calm.
“But I’ve made a few changes with an eye on who we’re up against. Ross Cronjé (in for Faf de Klerk) is a good defender, while Harold Vorster (in for Elton Jantjies at inside centre) is a specialist 12 and I believe the Reds will target us in the 10,12, 13 channel ... it’s their strong point,” explained Ackermann.
Jantjies shifts back to flyhalf, with Marnitz Boshoff moving to the bench, while Andries Coetzee and Ruan Combrinck also return to the starting team. In the front row Robbie Coetzee replaces Armand van der Merwe. “We’re hoping Armand can make a big impact from off the bench,” said Ackermann. - The Star