Ackermann drops Gloucester bombshell

Ackermann was linked to Gloucester this week as a potential replacement for the Australian head coach Laurie Fisher, who quit last week following a 30-27 defeat by Harlequins.

This could effectively mean that Ackermann's successful tenure at the Jo'burg franchise could end as soon as the current Super Rugby season.

 "I have been offered an opportunity to go there and I am in the process of examining all the pros and the cons," said Ackermann.

 "I will make a decision sooner than later because I don't want the team to be distracted. We have a tournament to perform in, but I will obviously make the call when the time is right."

 Ackermann is, however, reluctant to attach a time frame to his decision.

"I don't want the players to be in two minds and worry about my future. I want them to focus. For now, we have got a Reds game to win."

 "If you put a time frame to it, then the players will start guessing -- Is it this week, is it next week?

 At this stage I can only say there is an offer on the table and it is something I am looking at," he concluded.

 * Meanwhile, Ackermann has restored some semblance of normality to the team for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Reds at Ellis Park.

 The Lions head coach banked on what many considered to be a second-string team against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last week, but has reverted back to a more familiar combination this week.

 Springbok lock Franco Mostert will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance.

 The 26-year-old tight forward, who had to revive his career following a potentially career-ending hip injury sustained in a car accident, made his debut for the Jo'burg franchise back in 2014 against the Cheethas.

 Flanker Jaco Kriel and hooker Malcom Marx are the other returnees up front.

 Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk resume their half back pairing and Lionel Mapoe and Rohan Janse van Rensburg form the midfield combination.

 Andries Coetzee regains the number 15 jersey while Parktown Boys High old boy and SA Under-20 winger Madosh Tambwe will make his Super Rugby debut on the right wing.

 Lions Team to play Reds:

 1. Jacques van Rooyen (caps 34, debut 2014)

2. Malcolm Marx (caps 23, debut 2014)

3. Ruan Dreyer (caps 46, debut 2012)

4. Andries Ferreira (caps 39, debut 2014)

5. Franco Mostert (caps 49, debut 2014)

6. Jaco Kriel (caps 58, debut 2011)

7. Ruan Ackermann (caps 18, debut 2016)

8. Warren Whiteley (caps 69, debut 2011)

9. Faf de Klerk (caps 52, debut 2014)

10. Elton Jantjies (caps 85, debut 2011)

11. Courtnall Skosan (caps 39, debut 2014)

12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg (caps 19, debut 2016)

13. Lionel Mapoe (caps 81, debut 2010)

14. Madosh Tambwe / Sylvian Mahuza

15. Andries Coetzee (caps 46, debut 2012)

 Reserves:

 16. Robbie Coetzee (caps 30, debut 2014)

17. Dylan Smith / Corne Fourie (caps 18, debut 2016; caps 41, debut 2014)

18. Johannes Jonker (caps 3, debut 2017)

19. Lourens Erasmus (caps 11, debut 2016)

20. Kwagga Smith (caps 6, debut 2015)

21. Ross Cronje (caps 52, debut 2009)

22. Jaco vd Walt (caps 21, debut 2015)

23. Harold Vorster (caps 20, debut 2015)