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Cape Town - Lion coach Johan Ackermann was a happy man after his team secured an away victory over the Sunwolves on Saturday but conceded they will need to improve quickly.
The Lions, who began their Super Rugby campaign with a long trip to Tokyo, beat the new Japanese franchise 26-13 in an error filled encounter, securing an important bonus point in the process.
Ackermann was relieved to finally get the first game of the season out of the way, especially after an extend travel period and less than perfect conditions come match day.
“Very happy with the win and thankful for the 5 points. Conditions were difficult with a cold and strong wind,” Ackermann said after the match.
Although the Lions won fairly easily in the end, Ackermann believes there are areas for improvement, especially with fixtures against New Zealand opposition over the next two weeks.
“Our defence was good but we weren’t always sharp on attack. We looked eager and hasty and it felt like we wanted to do so well that everyone wasn’t always in the right place.
“We know it won’t get any easier and we have to improve, but the travel to New Zealand also doesn’t get any easier and is almost as long as to South Africa,” concluded Ackermann.
The Lions will face the Chiefs and the Highlanders on the New Zealand leg of their tour before returning to South Africa.
