The Lions’ road to success‚ which sees them within a whisker of clinching the Super Rugby title‚ has not been an easy one. From a team that sat out of the competition in 2013 when Johan Ackermann took over the coaching reins‚ having to fight their way back in through a promotion playoff‚ the Johannesburg-based side has worked hard to reach the heights they find themselves at currently. Five reasons why Ackermann's charges have gained so much success over the past three years:1. Change of coachThere can be no denying that former Lions coach‚ New Zealand-born John Mitchell‚ laid a solid foundation for the success of the team.With the Kiwi leading the side to the domestic Currie Cup title in 2011‚ that was a signal of things to come.There had been criticism of Mitchell’s relationship with his players‚ which led to the player revolt that culminated in his departure from the side.In came Johan Ackermann. The change of guard was timely as the former Springbok lock took charge in the year the Lions were out in the cold - Super Rugby 2013.With a player exodus from Ellis Park‚ this was an opportunity for Ackermann to build from scratch.His player-management skills and his treatment of players remains second to none on the SA domestic scene. He respects his players and has in turn earned the players’ faith‚ which has been key as the players play for their coach.Whiteley makes the cut for Lions' squad for Super Rugby finalLions captain Warren Whiteley is in line to make a comeback from injury in time for the Super Rugby final against the Hurricanes in New Zealand on Saturday. 2. Unsung hero In every team there are unsung heroes.In the Lions team the man who does not often receive the credit he deserves is Ackermann’s assistant coach Swys de Bruin.The Lions boast an incredible attack and the best backline in the country‚ and all this is thanks to the 56-year-old‚ who has previously coached the Sharks under-21‚ Griquas and SA under-21 sides.The soft-spoken De Bruin prefers to stay out of the spotlight‚ opting to rather focus on grafting than being in the limelight. Few outside of the Lions’ setup are aware of the depth of his contribution to the team. His coaching partnership with Ackermann makes the pair a lethal coaching combination‚ which has changed the manner in which SA teams play the game.Ackermann is one of few men who constantly acknowledge the work of his assistant.3. LeadershipThe Lions have arguably the most influential captain in Warren Whiteley – a player most have tipped to be a future Springbok captain.The 28-year-old has led by example with stellar performances on the field. His commitment to the side is never questioned‚ as can be evidenced by his decision to decline an opportunity to represent the SA Sevens team at the Olympics in order to see through the Lions’ goals of success in Super Rugby.Whiteley has not done it alone. Ackermann took the decision to give Jaco Kriel the captaincy of the Currie Cup team last year on their way to winning the domestic title. That was in order to groom him for a leadership role in Super Rugby this season.Lions hooker Marx closer to Springbok call-upSpringbok coach Allister Coetzee named only one hooker – captain Adriaan Strauss – in an 18-man ‘rehabilitation and conditioning’ squad‚ which will gather in Stellenbosch this week. The decision paid dividends this season as Kriel often filled for Whiteley with aplomb. Kriel leading the side to victory in the semifinal shows the influence the leaders have in the side.4. Faith in playersWhen Ackermann took over in 2013 he admitted the road ahead would be long and arduous‚ but insisted that he needed to have faith in his charges even in difficult times.In the first season in Super Rugby‚ the side finished a lowly 12th out of 15 teams‚ but the faith Ackermann had in the players was returned with fine performances and a closely-knit side that gave their all.Even when players like Elton Jantjies were completely out of form‚ Ackermann stuck to his guns and afforded the players opportunities to prove themselves. They could pay him back with the Super Rugby title come Saturday.5. The style of playWhen all other South African coaches refused to change the way the sides play‚ even though SA teams were found to be predictable‚ Ackermann stuck out like a sore thumb and took a different route.There were hiccups along the way‚ but Ackermann had a vision he knew his charges could achieve with time.It was only in the 2015 season that the plan to play a more expansive game showed signs of coming together.The manner the Lions play is often compared to the style of New Zealand teams‚ but the Lions have shown that they can beat the Kiwis at their own game.Having beaten two former Super Rugby champs from New Zealand – the Crusaders and Highlanders – in the playoffs‚ the Lions can now beat the Hurricanes in New Zealand with the exciting‚ expansive brand which could as well be the identity of SA rugby in future. The Lions have led the way. - TMG Digital..