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Cape Town - Lions coach Johan Ackermann is basking in glory after his decision to pick Elton Jantjies paid off in their first Super Rugby promotion-relegation match against the Kings last Friday.
There was some unhappiness among Lions supporters that Jantjies, who had been out on loan to the Stormers for the Super Rugby season, had been chosen ahead of regular flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff.
But Jantjies stepped up to the plate and booted 16 points to help the Lions to a 26-19 win which makes them firm favourites to return to Super Rugby next season.
"I am happy that we backed Elton," Ackermann told the TimesLIVE website.
"I think the supporters thought I was mad and they were not happy with my decision. But I thought Elton played well. He created a try and did not miss anything apart from one penalty.
"The good thing is that we have the quality of Marnitz Boshoff to come back and close the game if needed. It is good that we have these two flyhalves," he said.
The second promotion-relegation clash is at Ellis Park on Saturday (15:00 kick-off). The Kings have to win by at least eight points or with a four-try bonus point to retain their Super Rugby spot for 2014.
There was some unhappiness among Lions supporters that Jantjies, who had been out on loan to the Stormers for the Super Rugby season, had been chosen ahead of regular flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff.
But Jantjies stepped up to the plate and booted 16 points to help the Lions to a 26-19 win which makes them firm favourites to return to Super Rugby next season.
"I am happy that we backed Elton," Ackermann told the TimesLIVE website.
"I think the supporters thought I was mad and they were not happy with my decision. But I thought Elton played well. He created a try and did not miss anything apart from one penalty.
"The good thing is that we have the quality of Marnitz Boshoff to come back and close the game if needed. It is good that we have these two flyhalves," he said.
The second promotion-relegation clash is at Ellis Park on Saturday (15:00 kick-off). The Kings have to win by at least eight points or with a four-try bonus point to retain their Super Rugby spot for 2014.
