Lions captain Jaco Kriel and his coach Johan Ackermann readying themselves for a match of a lifetime as they take on the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Final on Saturday.
Excitement is rightly growing in the build-up to the final at Ellis Park given the contrasts between the Lions and Crusaders, with the South Africans looking for a first-ever title while the Crusaders chase their first crown in almost a decade.
The Lions are looking to become only the second South African side, after the Bulls, to win the tournament since rugby went professional in 1996.
Johan Ackermann, the Lions head coach, will be hoping for a fairytale finish but he also knows that anything can happen. He knows that the Crusaders are quality and he knows that, even with all of the analysis in the world, the Lions will have to turn up on the day.
But, the man of faith that Ackermann is, he also knows that rugby is part of a far bigger picture.
“The biggest thing is my family, who have walked with me on this road through the high and low points,” he said.
“Now we have one more match … it’s a privilege to play in a final in front of your home crowd.”
Kick-off is on Saturday is at 16:00. Watch the video below:
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