Why Jaco Kriel believes 'frantic' win over Cardiff is NOT a turning point for Lions

Jaco Kriel has experienced too many challenges in an eventful career to become overly excited about the Lions' laudable if nervy 37-20 victory over Cardiff in Sunday's United Rugby Championship encounter at Ellis Park.

There has been a widespread sentiment that the result - sealed by tireless blindsider Vince Tshituka's bonus point try in the dying seconds - could represent a turning point in the franchise's flagging campaign, something their captain doesn't quite agree with.

"To be honest, I'd say I'm just relieved with the win," said Kriel with a wry smile, an understandable reaction given that the Lions haven't won at home for close to 20 months.

"I don't believe you can pin a specific moment (like Tshituka's try) on suddenly transforming a whole season into something different because you work hard every day of the week, the thing you work towards all the time.

"The important thing is to be consistent in the hard work that you put in all the time. In my view, the priority for us should be to build on this victory, to not concentrate too much on this whole 'bigger journey' thing and rather just control the small things and processes."

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Accompanying his relief of a first home win in ages is the suggestion that he and his team-mates are now shedding a pesky habit of lacking energy following a committed performance, with a gutsy showing in Dublin against Leinster morphing into this weekend's win.

Kriel had previously expressed his frustration at the Lions lacking "heart" during the local derby window of the tournament.

"We've done well as a leadership group," said Kriel.

"A few weeks back we sat here and stated that we're not happy with our attitude and this is