Lions’ happy camp paints a picture

High jinks can, when it comes to sports teams, indicate a lack of discipline… but they can also point to a group of people who are comfortable and confident in what they can deliver on the field.

A team that is the epitome of confident and relaxed is the Lions, even as they head into today’s crunch Super Rugby quarterfinal in Joburg against the Sharks.

We weren’t really surprised when two of the backline players, Courtnall Skosan and Anthony Volmink, couldn’t resist the temptation of “photobombing” a picture of their coach, Johan Ackermann, earlier this week. Our photographer, Refilwe Modise, chuckled at the antics of the players, who couldn’t be seen by Ackermann.

The coach, like the rest, had a laugh, and we bet you will, too: If you haven’t already seen it, turn to Page 47 to brighten up your day.

But, the little vignette was typical of the relationship the players have with Ackermann, who has helped raise them from no-hopers to the best South African rugby side today, and one of the best anywhere.

Ackermann has freed their minds and liberated their self-belief so they can play expansive, beautiful running rugby if required or hang in there tooth and nail, defending the tryline against endless enemy onslaughts.

And, while there are many stars in the team, the sum of what they produce is always greater than the parts, because there are no prima donnas and they genuinely play for each other and for Ackermann.

They also play for us, the fans, who now really have something to cheer about.

More than that, though, what the Lions do on the pitch rises above the ordinary and is a reminder of the transcendent power of sport to lift spirits.

Thanks, guys for making us smile – not only at your photobombing silliness, but also at your artistry.