Ackermann tackles Lions' discipline

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann is far from ringing the alarm bells, but he admitted that discipline is an issue that will be addressed.

Having started the defence of their Currie Cup crown with a 43-20 demolition of the Free State Cheetahs, the Lions came unstuck last week when they slumped to a 14-30 loss to the Sharks in Durban.

A lack of discipline among some players appeared to cost the team the moment they had build up when they took a 7-6 lead into the break.

Ten points while lock  Hendrik Roodt was in the sin bin saw the Sharks snatch the momentum from the visitors. Another two second-half tries allowed the men from Durban to build up a healthy lead - which they held on to the end.

Ackermann admitted there were a few issues, but said they have been addressed in the review sessions this week.

"There were four or five very silly penalties, which we could have avoided," the Lions coach said.

"However, I feel there were a few calls that were not consistent on both sides, which were just as disappointing.

"It is accurate to say that at this level you can't afford those penalties, as teams will make you pay for those.

"That is something we will have addressed [in training] this week."

Ackermann took the blame for his team's line-out errors.

"That is probably more an error on my side, as I should have taken [injured hooker] Callie [Visagie] off earlier," the coach said, adding: "He injured his ribs relatively early in the game.

"There were two line-outs in succession where his throws were not straight and he said he could not bend his upper body properly as a result of the pain.

"When we put Swys [Francois du Toit] on it came right. I was hesitant to make the changes too early, as Callie performed very well in general play ... despite the injury.

"I don't think we lost because of the line-outs - the main reason for that [defeat] was our discipline and we also conceded three soft tries, where our defence let us down."

The coach said they have addressed those aspects.

"The challenge is to remain focussed every week.

"It showed again that you simply can't afford to be on top of our defence the one week and the next week you ease off ... that standard must remain high every week in this competition."

By Jan de Koning