There are ways to beat Western Province’s defence, but patience is the key.

Lions assistant coach Johan Ackermann believes his team can beat WP at Newlands on Saturday provided they do well at keeping possession.

“If you look at the Super 14, the Stormers were also one of the teams that conceded the fewest tries and they definitely have a quality defence,” said Ackermann.

The Western Force, under the guidance of Lions head coach John Mitchell, beat the Stormers in this year’s Super 14 by not giving possession away unnecessarily.

“One must have patience,” said Ackermann. “In the past we played off first phase too easily and passes went to ground.

“You have to be willing to go through at least three or four phases – somewhere a hole has to appear and someone has to break a tackle. But that won’t happen unless you have patience.”

The Lions’ set phases will also need to be good as WP locks Adriaan Fondse and Anton van Zyl made life difficult in the lineouts for the Free State Cheetahs last Saturday.

With hookers Hans van Dyk and Charles Emslie still injured, Martin Bezuidenhout will have the task of finding the Lions’ jumpers on Saturday.

“Yes, the challenges are getting bigger in the Currie Cup, especially for our young hooker, but we believe he can do it,” said Ackermann.

Springbok flanker Wikus van Heerden will play as a substitute against Western Province and the Lions’ loose-trio will remain unchanged for the game in the Cape.

With Tonderai Chavhanga injured, Deon van Rensburg is set to start on the wing after being a substitute against the Leopards.