If Lions' flyhalf Chris Smith isn't on the Springboks' radar yet, they need to update their specs. Morné Steyn, the seasoned former Springbok pivot, is all praises for Smith, who's carving up defenses in the Vodacom URC as one of the fiercest No 10s in the game. With the Lions prepped to dive into their first-ever URC quarter-final, Smith's boot and brain have been instrumental, notching him as the second-highest point scorer in the league this season.
Despite his stellar form and crucial role in propelling the Lions forward, Steyn feels Smith's prowess flies under the national team's radar.
"It’s sad for me he’s not in the [Springbok] alignment camp,” Steyn lamented. “For me, he’s probably the best flyhalf in the country at the moment and probably one of the top flyhalves in the URC as well."
Transitioning from French club Oyonnax to the Lions last June, Smith's influence has been nothing short of transformative for the Johannesburg-based squad.Smith's stats are a testament to his all-around gameplay. This season alone, he's racked up one try, 49 conversions, and 17 penalties. Beyond the numbers, his tactical kicking has granted the Lions significant territorial advantages, and with 91 carries for 360 meters, five clean breaks, and 18 defenders beaten, Smith’s not just a kicker. His five try-scoring passes further underscore his rounded skill set.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has been vocal about the impact of Smith's leadership. "Chris made a big difference for us in steering the team," said Van Rooyen. "Just calmness and direction and execution of what we want to do." As the Lions prepare to face a formidable Leinster team in Dublin, Smith's role becomes even more pivotal, especially in the absence of injured veterans Morné van den Berg and Ruan Venter.
With the stakes sky-high and the spotlight brighter than ever, Chris Smith isn't just playing for a win in Dublin; he's auditioning for a green and gold jersey. And if the powers that be are paying any attention, they'll see what Morné Steyn sees — a flyhalf at the peak of his powers, ready to don the Springbok colors.