John Mitchell chuffed his Lions apprentices became masters

John Mitchell’s experience at the Lions was not always a happy one, but the former coach and current Bulls director of rugby has nothing but praise for the team as they prepare for the Super Rugby final.

“I do enjoy watching them play and I’m delighted to see Johan Ackermann and JP Ferreira succeed after they started under me,” Mitchell said.

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“There are players too who have been there for the whole duration and I keep an eye on them and keep in touch. I really appreciate the way they have a go and they have become the benchmark.

“I guess I was the instrument that created the change, I was the leader although some people said it couldn’t be done. But rightly or wrongly, when they were taken out of Super Rugby in 2012 they were able to restart their culture with a committed bunch of young guys who Ackers has been very loyal to.”

The former All Blacks coach said the influence of the senior players must also not be underestimated.

“Ackers must obviously take a lot of credit, he’s been a good operator, but there’s also the effect of the leadership group. Most top coaches will say you’re only as good as your senior players, they almost become an extension of management, and Warren Whiteley, Elton Jantjies and Jaco Kriel have had a big hand in the success of the Lions,” Mitchell added.

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