Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann says his side will continue to play running rugby in the Currie Cup final against Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

The Lions scored six tries against the Sharks at Ellis Park to record a 50-20 semi-final win, having crossed the line 44 times during the league stage of the competition, more than any other team.

Ackermann says the Waratahs, who scored the most tries in Super Rugby this year, had inspired the Lions.

'The Waratahs won Super Rugby by sticking to what they believed in. People said they often ran the ball too much but they stuck to that and it worked for them.

'We play the game to enjoy it,' added Ackermann. 'We don't want a prop or lock in the team and expect them just to scrum or just to win the lineout. 

'We also look at our team profile. If you had eight forwards who were over 2m tall and weighed over 100kg and big Fijian-type wings then you'd probably want to run and smash over everybody.

'But we have guys with good feet, good hands and speed. Our loose forwards are our strength, our props can pass the ball, and our locks can run for 80 minutes. You therefore adapt your game plan to suit your team profile.'

Ackermann insisted the Lions would not abandon their attacking game plan for the final.

Photo: Anne Laing/HSM Images