Lions repel Cheetahs rally for Super Rugby success
Last Updated: 21/03/16 9:47am
Ruan Ackermann scored a try on his full debut as the Lions beat the Cheetahs 39-22 in Saturday's all South African Super Rugby clash.
The flanker, son of Lions coach Johan Ackermann, finished off a move that began at a line-out by dotting down close to the posts at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Fly-half Elton Jantjies converted to give the Lions a 31-3 advantage and although they never looked like losing, they failed to build on their flying start.
Having scored four unanswered tries, the hosts conceded three before snatching another, but failed to secure a bonus point for scoring at least three more than their opponents.
The victory got the Lions back on the winning trail after their back-to-back wins to start the season were followed by a defeat to defending champions the Highlanders in New Zealand last weekend.
The Johannesburg side lie second in the Africa 2 table, two points behind the Sharks, who drew 16-16 with the Bulls on Friday in another South African derby.
"We had a difficult final 20 minutes when the Cheetahs came back strongly," said Lions No 8 and skipper Warren Whiteley.
"Losing Jaco Kriel, one of our key players, early was a blow, but youngsters like Ruan put their hands up.
"He and the other youngsters bring energy and excitement. The key for us is getting the right balance between experience and youth."
After a promising start and a three-point lead, the visitors were constantly on the back foot and conceded three tries to trail 24-3 at half-time.
After Ackermann struck, the Lions gradually went off the boil without ever being seriously threatened in cool South African autumn conditions.
Jantjies, scrum-half Faf de Klerk, centre Howard Mnisi, Ackermann and substitute prop Corne Fourie scored tries for the Lions.
The fly-half also kicked three conversions and two penalties and winger Ruan Combrinck slotted one conversion while Jantjies was being treated for an injury.
Cheetahs' tries came via winger Sergeal Petersen and two substitutes, scrum-half Tian Meyer and hooker Jacques du Toit. Fly-half Niel Marais kicked two conversions and a penalty.
The Lions have a bye next weekend, while the Cheetahs host the Brumbies.