JUBILANT Lions coach Johan Ackermann said he felt vindicated after flyhalf Elton Jantjies turned in a match-winning showing with the boot to propel his team to a narrow 26-19 win over the Southern Kings at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.

Ahead of the first leg play-off there was some unhappiness among Lions supporters that Jantjies, who had been out on loan to the Stormers for the Super 15 season, had been chosen ahead of regular flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff.

"I am happy that we backed Elton," a relieved Ackermann said after Jantjies booted 16 points in the match.

"I think that the supporters thought I was mad and they were not happy with my decision. But I thought Elton played well tonight. He created a try and did not miss anything apart from one penalty.

"The good thing is that we have the quality of Marnitz Boshoff to come back and close the game if needed. It is good that we have these two flyhalves."

The Lions coach also singled out his two-try hero Stokkies Hanekom for special praise. "This is why we want to be in Super Rugby - so we can see players like Stokkies competing at this level."

The Lions coach also said he was pleased that his team had managed to stop the drives that have brought the Kings much success this season.

Scrumhalf Michael Bondesio, who was in the original Lions lineup to start against the Kings on Friday, was replaced at the last moment by Vian van der Watt and is still struggling with a knee injury.